Fearless

In a world where faithful Christians are attacked simply for what they say (usually by people twisting our words to portray themselves as victims and advance their political power), the last verse and a half of today's Gospel (Luke 12:8-12) are particularly comforting:

...do not worry about how or what your defense will be
or about what you are to say.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment
what you should say.

Sometimes it can feel like we are walking through a minefield, even in casual conversations, but if we always focus on being faithful and humble servants of God's truth, then with the grace of God we will have the comfort, guidance, and strength that only God can give and that nothing can overcome.

In that same spirit St. Paul's prayer in today's first reading (Ephesians 1:15-23) is for us as well.

Hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and of your love for all the holy ones,
I do not cease giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.

May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know
what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe,
in accord with the exercise of his great might,
which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead
and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,
far above
every principality, authority, power, and dominion,
and every name that is named
not only in this age but also in the one to come.

And he put all things beneath his feet
and gave him as head over all things to the Church,
which is his Body,
the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.