Ninth Wednesday in Ordinary Time

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design.

Our faith requires us to be brave. We cannot be cowards if we want to be like Jesus Christ. We cannot be cowards if we want to be saved from our sins. We cannot be cowards if we want to have a place in heaven. Instead, we must put on a spirit of power, love, and self-control. We might be called upon to suffer much for God's Glory and the good of others. And if this is the case, then we must bear our share of hardships for the Gospel without hesitation or complaint. We must trust God will grant us the strength we need to overcome all our trials and lead holy lives guided by His Divine Will.

Are we brave in our faith? How can we resist the temptation to cowardice in our spiritual lives? What can we do to bear the hardships of our faith with complete trust that God will see us through all our sufferings to a life without end?

O Lord, give us your spirit of power, love, and self-control.

Amen.