It was one a.m. and traffic was scarce on Highway 22. I was dozing in and out of sleep but my nerves didn’t waver. We were on our way to Pittsburgh to pray in front of a hospital that performs abortions, and as a part of the 40-days for life campaign we were on our way to take the 2am shift.
I had never prayed in front of an abortion clinic before and I can imagine the nerves would’ve been the same if it would’ve been during the daylight hours, but there was something about standing in the February cold at 2am that left me feeling so vulnerable. My faith was to be on display for the very first time.
We got to the site, and begun our Rosary. My nerves worsened, but soon alleviated as I realized how incredibly special it was to have the freedom to pray in public. And, it was that external act of faith that sparked a new courage in my life – one that shared truth openly and honestly.
Just imagine the risk of St. Paul, in 50 AD, preaching the Gospel in Rome. Christianity was still very illegal, and Christians were being tortured and executed publically.
Yet, St. Paul still had the gall to write:
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”
What others were dying for and many were scoffing at, St. Paul had the courage to proclaim. Without timidity. St. Paul sets the stage for his letter with this incredible, yet simple boldness. He knows that God is who He says He is, and doesn’t waver. This is no poor introduction, no meek summary of his letter.
The 19-year-old Rachel would’ve been assured by St. Paul that she is not crazy… to have faith that her act of faith is important. That boldness in coordination with truth is noble.
Where is it in your own life that you find it hard to stand up for your faith? Is it at home, at work, visiting your in-laws – perhaps your own parents and siblings – at the store, maybe even at church? Today, take some time to search your heart for this answer. Ask God to grant you pardon and peace for all the times you have failed to act boldly in His name, and ask Him for the same boldness and faith that St. Paul had to proclaim,
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”
