BOLDNESS! Can you see that the character of the first-century Church was marked repeatedly with unparalleled boldness? Yet when the lanterns appeared in the garden of Gethsemane as the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, his disciples fled in panic. At Calvary, when Christ was being executed, yes, Mary and John were there, but where were the rest of them? Peter was huddling in the corner, cursing, denying that he had ever met Jesus. After the crucifixion, the disciples were in the upper room, hiding, cowering, terrified, and locking the doors for fear of the Jews. There was very little boldness at that moment . . . but then Jesus came and stood in their midst, and they would very soon be standing up against the highest authority in the land fearlessly.

The resurrection galvanized the faith of the early Church. When they saw the risen Christ, when they saw His victory over death and his enemies, when he burst forth alive from the tomb, a faith was born in the Apostles and disciples that the world could not extinguish. Adding to the power of that faith was the power of Pentecost, in which God the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to proclaim the Word of God fearlessly into the whole world.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard teaches us to approach the Eucharist with bold confidence, even if we feel unworthy. He connected boldness to “perfect self-surrender,” where one trusts in God’s providence and is not afraid to follow His will, even if it leads to sacrifice. He also emphasized a “holy boldness” rooted in love, trust, and confidence in the Eucharist, rather than self-reliance, and to always maintain a combination of deep humility and total confidence in God’s mercy.

Is that same HOLY BOLDNESS among us?

Let Us Pray:

Loving God, you are the source of all strength, courage, and boldness. We ask for your grace to act boldly and for your Spirit to empower us to be a bold witness for Christ. When obstacles arise, help us to stand firm as we surrender our fears and embrace the bold, abundant life you have for us. Grant us the wisdom always to remember that the Eucharistic presence of Jesus is the ultimate source of divine strength, boldness, wisdom, and love.  Amen.