Psalm 119, Verse 46
I will speak openly of your testimonies
without fear even before kings.
Professing Christians! Are we ready to bear our
testimony for Jesus, against the sneer and ridicule of the ungodly? We are not likely
to "be brought before kings and rulers for the Son of Man's sake."
Yet no less do we need Divine help and strong faith in withstanding the enmity
of a prejudiced relative or scornful neighbor. Young people! You are perhaps in
especial danger of being ashamed of your Bible, your religion, your Savior. You
may be brought under the snare of the "fear of man," and be tempted
to compromise your religion, and to sacrifice your everlasting all from a dread
of "the reproach of Christ." But remember him, who for your sake
"before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession"; and shall the
dread of a name restrain you from sharing his reproach, and banish the
obligations of love and gratitude from your hearts? Have you forgotten that you
once owned the service of Satan? And will you not be as bold for Christ, as you
were for him? Were you once "glorying in your shame; "and will you
now be ashamed of your glory? Oh! Remember who hath said, "Whosoever shall
be ashamed of me and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of
him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his
Father with the holy angels." Think much and often of this word. Think on
this day. Think on the station of "the fearful and unbelieving" on the
left hand on that day. Think on their eternal doom. What is a prison, compared
to hell? What need to pray and tremble! If you are sincere in your
determination, and simple in your dependence, then will the. "love of
Christ constrain you" , not to a cold, calculating, reluctant service; but
to a confession of your Savior, bold, unfettered, and "faithful even unto
death." Every deviation from the straight path bears the character of
being ashamed of Christ. How much have you to speak in behalf of his testimonies,
his ways, his love! When in danger of the influence of "the fear of
man," look to him for strength. He will give to you, as he gave to
Stephen—"a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able
to gainsay or resist." Thus, will you, like them, be strengthened "to
profess a good profession before many witnesses."[1]
Daily Devotions
ü I plan to attend Mass daily or via EWTN or the internet
ü Mediate on the virtues of Mary (Humility, Generosity, Chastity,
Patience, Temperance, Understanding/love and Wisdom. One for each day.
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