Be Bold for Christ

As I prepare to give my second sermon in Advanced homiletics class, the second reading from the Office of Reading spoke to me on a new level.  Written by St. Gregory the Great in a pastoral guide, he speak particularly to those intrusted with the pastoral care of the Church.  May the words I share "encourage [you] in sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

"To advance against the foe involves a bold resistance to the powers of the world in defense of the flock... Anyone ordained a priest undertakes the task of preaching, so that with a loud cry he may go on ahead of the terrible judge who follows.  If, then, a priest does not know how to preach, what kind of cry can such a dumb herald utter?"

Powerful words for those of us in formation for the priesthood, but also powerful words to those who share in the priesthood of all believers.  By our baptism, we are called to proclaim the Good News -- not "hesitate to say openly what is right because [we] fear losing the favor of men."

Be courageous!  Be a saint!

[all quotations come from the twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours]