Unafraid of Ridicule

by Food For Thought on July 12, 2012 · 3 comments

First Reading: 1 Hos 11:1-4, 8e-9

Psalm: 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16

Gospel: Mt 10:7-15

The commissioning of the apostles foreshadowed the great evangelical mission of the Church as given by the risen Jesus before his return to the Father. As baptized members of the Church, we have inherited that mission. We should see it as an exciting challenge. Sad to say, many of us consider it as a burden placed on our shoulders. It is a tragic irony that we who have the fullness of the Good News do not proclaim our faith with the same fervor and zeal as so many Protestant denominations do.

A common problem is that we are fearful of evangelizing because we are not as clear as we should be about the message that we should proclaim. Jesus was very clear about the message that his disciples should preach: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Repent and believe the Good News.” Our message is, in essence, the same: the kingdom of heaven has arrived in Jesus. It is his victory over sin and death that enables us to proclaim: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

Another difficulty is the fear of our own weaknesses. Somehow we are able to accept that the preaching of the first disciples was blessed with all sorts of miracles and other signs. But we have little or no expectation that our efforts will be similarly blessed. We need to recall that, like the apostles, we are not expected to rely on our own meager resources. We have Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. The good news about preaching the Gospel is that he is always present as we bear witness in his name. His is the power of conviction, forgiveness, reconciliation and salvation, a power so awesome that nothing can stand against it. In his power and with his love every good thing is possible.

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to our witnessing to Jesus is our fear that we may attract ridicule and hostility. It is when this happens that we can know most fully Jesus’ presence in us, for he has said: “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”

By Food For Thought

  • http://www.willyoubemyvoice.com/ Cdmusic

    Being afraid of ridicule is not my problem, but getting past the hurt of rejection is more difficult and very painful for me. Let us pray for one another as we answer God’s call to evangelize and use the gifts that He has given us to share. Let us pray that our own parishes and towns do not continue to repeat history by ignoring those people in our midst who seem “ordinary” but have something extraordinary to share. May God bless the lives of all those who are being persecuted in His Name. May He give them special grace to see through and walk through the pain which can come from persecution. May eyes, ears, and hearts be opened to God’s ministers of His Word and His love. Amen.  

  • Llkazlas

    I agree 100 percent with you, “cdmusic”. There are people in our parishes who seem very ordinary, but have extraordinary gifts to share. It’s not that parishioners do not want to get involved and share their gifts, it’s because those of us in the church have not recognized their unique gifts and invited them to try using their natural abilities, to be of service to God and one another. People often are not even aware of their own gifts and abilities, but with a little encouragement and support, they could really blossom and use their gifts in a profoundly beautiful, new way to serve others and give glory to God. Every single one of us should always be on the look out for hidden gifts in the people around us and tell them when you see something they do well or have a “knack” or ability for. Leaders should step aside sometimes in certain areas and allow others to grow, to learn, and develop their own abilities. It is too easy for leaders to just do everything themselves rather than allow others to learn, make mistakes and grow in certain areas of ministry. “cdmusic” I hope you keep trying, sometimes the ones who are rejecting you may not have gifts that are as beautiful as your own.

  • http://www.willyoubemyvoice.com/ Cdmusic

    Thank you for your the encouragement. It has been a long journey…both beautiful and painful at the same time. I only share the painful part of the journey so that I can help those who are also suffering because they have chosen to share their gifts by saying “Yes!” to God. I am praying for those who persecute me and shun my offerings. Let us all pray for those who are persecuting God’s servants. Let us pray that the fear, insecurities, and self-doubt that causes them to act so grievously be healed in Jesus’ Name. Amen!