brave-hearts
"Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, Who marches with you; He will never fail you or forsake you." —Deuteronomy 31:6
To be saved, we must persevere in our faith. To be steadfast, to persevere, we must be brave, for the evil one tries to manipulate us through intimidation (see Heb 2:15). The fainthearted often give up their salvation. The bravehearted can hold on to their salvation forever. Therefore, we must be brave.
Because of our fallen nature, we are naturally fearful. Because of our new nature, we are supernaturally brave. Bravery comes from Baptism. Bravery is expressed and deepened as we live our baptismal promises through faith. Bravery is based on our being sons and daughters of God. The source of bravery is the Holy Trinity dwelling in us and we in Him. How can a person receive the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus and not be brave!
A stench of fear permeates our society. When we are brave, we clear the air. "We are an aroma of Christ for God's sake" (2 Cor 2:15). Be brave.
Prayer: Father, may I look for opportunities to be brave.
Promise: "It is no part of your heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief." —Mt 18:14
Praise: James bravely discussed morality with his family. Because he believed in Jesus, he spoke out (see 2 Cor 4:13).
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tapes on Hold Fast to the Faith on audio AV 71-1 or video V-71.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, February 27, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2003