Often we feel paralyzed by fear. Many people, for instance, may have been called to tell Herod: "It is not right for you to live with your brother's wife" (Mk 6:18), but were afraid and therefore spiritually paralyzed. We hear of only John the Baptizer calling Herod and Herodias to repent.

Often we feel paralyzed by trauma. After Jesus heard of John's brutal death, He naturally didn't want to do anything except get away for a while (see Mt 14:13). However, the crowds followed Jesus. "When He disembarked and saw the vast throng, His heart was moved with pity, and He cured their sick" (Mt 14:14). Few would have reached out to heal others when they were hurting so badly themselves, but Jesus refused to be paralyzed by the trauma of Herod's murder of John.

Does anything in your life shut you up when you're called to "speak the truth in love" (Eph 4:15, our transl.)? Does anything shut you down when you should be taking bold initiatives in evangelization and ministry? By God's grace, don't let fear, trauma, or even Satan keep you from doing His will. The Lord commands: "Stand up and tell them all that I command you" (Jer 1:17). The Lord promises: "They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you" (Jer 1:19). Stand, speak, walk, run, live, die, rise.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012

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