From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

“Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:16-23)

SPIRIT SPEAKING THROUGH YOU: The scripture passage above comes from today’s gospel reading. To understand the context, Jesus was giving the apostles a pep talk. He was about to send them out among the people to share His teachings.

He could sense their anxiety. He knew they were thinking, “What should I say? I’ve never done this before! What if they reject me?”

We can relate to the apostles’ situation. We are part of an apostolic church. This means we are all apostles – we have been sent out to spread the good news. That responsibility can certainly raise anxiety levels.

When our faith is challenged or an opportunity to share our faith with others presents itself, how do we respond? Do we let the anxiety get the best of us, passing on the opportunity because of what might happen?

Or do we embrace the opportunity, confident that the words of the gospel will be revealed: “You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.