Courage

A couple of thoughts about Pentecost, suggested to me by a priest’s homely and a conversation with the LD.

We all know the story: tongues of fire descended on the apostles gathered, together with Mary, in the last supper hall.

Nice fable, like all the rest, one could say. But true, because people full of apprehension, doubtful of themselves, came out (should I say of the closet?) and started talking in a language that anybody could understand.

They announced the “word made flesh”. So, men made dumb could speak again.

Without fear. Better, full of courage for the fights ahead.

That’s what the priest stressed at the mass I attended, addressing a little group of children who had recently taken first communion.

Out without fear at the fight for the good, which might take our life.

Why not to have fear? I thus paraphrase the priest's answer: because the King is with us, and nourishes us with life eternal.

Here you are, always talking of fights and battles. Don’t you know that Christianity is essentially about peace? Of course I do, but I also know that only a man at peace with God and himself can honestly fight and defeat evil.

Let me quote St. Paul, from the Letter to the Ephesians:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

While relating the homily to the LD, we realized what a good comment it makes to his last post for Memorial Day.

HP