“Beloved: I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.”
St. Paul continues with this challenge at the end of this reading, “Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.” How much are you and I handicapped by a spirit of cowardice, or instead, led to bear our share of the hardship for the gospel, fueled by the fire of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us?
Petition:
That we may stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit and bravely bear our share of the hardship for the gospel, we pray…