Being Bold
theophilus March 29th, 2008
The first readings during the Octave of Easter (the first week after Easter) are taken from the first part of the Acts of the Apostles. We hear how Peter and the rest of the apostles have the authorities tied in knots – the folks in charge just don’t know what to do with these men.
In today’s reading we hear how the authorities “observed the boldness of Peter and John” and how they perceived them as “uneducated, ordinary men.” But they were also “amazed” and “recognized them as the companions of Jesus.”
And, therein lies the message for each us, two-thousands years later. We may be perceived as being “uneducated and ordinary” – we may actually be uneducated and ordinary. But it doesn’t matter. We can still do great things if we listen to Christ and act boldy in our lives.
The last part of today’s gospel (Mark 16) has Jesus instructing the apostles to “go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” And that is Jesus’ call for each of us. We may not need to get up in front of large crowds to preach about Christ like Peter, but then very few are so called. Nevertheless, we can “proclaim the gospel” every moment of every day.
For we proclaim the gospel when we are perceived as being a companion of Christ – when we live good lives filled with purpose and joy. When we are at peace with ourselves and our world. When we comfort, console, help, serve and do our very best to make our world a better place. When we make a difference in other people’s lives.
But we need to stop being so afraid of being perceived as a companion of Christ. We need to be bold in our faith. We need to proclaim the gospel in whatever way Christ intends for us – even if it’s just by the way we live our lives.
Being bold – it’s what makes mediocre men be good, good men be great, and great men be legends. Just ask Peter and the rest of the apostles.
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