Thursday 26th January 2023. Read 2 Timothy 1:1-8, Ps. 96:1-3,7-8,10, Mark 4:21-25
“Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?” (Mark 4:21)
Timidity is not a virtue. Paul advises Timothy today that God did not and will never give anyone a spirit of timidity, but rather a Spirit of Power and Love and Self-Control. Hence there is no room for being ashamed of testifying for the Lord. Even though this faith entails suffering, we should not be afraid of identifying with it.
The key to conquering timidity is a constant reminder that we are lights. And light cannot be put under a bed. If we really allow our lights to shine, we cannot be put down, ignored, or hidden. The world may laugh at us or try to make us look stupid for not blending but in time our goodness will bring us out.
“Nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not come to the light.” Those who once laughed at you will come to ask: “how did you do it?”
Timidity and goodness do not go together. If we are truly what we say we are, then acting as though we are ashamed of our identity is a betrayal of our goodness. For instance, some Christians are so shy when they dress properly but they feel extremely comfortable and proud when wearing indecent clothes.
Some of us are too scared of preaching in a public place yet we do not mind talking about American politics just to show we are very current. I have seen Catholics so ashamed of bringing out their rosaries while on a bus or even along the street because they don’t want to look strange.
Dear friends, if we don’t
believe in ourselves, how do we convince the world that we are lights? Why are
we constantly trying to blend into the world and its standards? We should only
be timid when it comes to evil not when it comes to letting our light shine. A
minimal Christian is as good as a non-Christian. Sand is sand and sugar is
sugar. If sugar now begins to behave like sand, what good is it?
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, take away any timidity from me. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops. Bible Study: 2 Timothy 1:1-8, Ps. 96:1-3,7-8,10, Mark 4:21-25).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu
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