Are You Courageous or Not?
In the first reading, we see the apostles under pressure—threatened, intimidated, and ordered to remain silent. Yet instead of retreating in fear, they turn to prayer. They do not ask for safety, nor for their enemies to disappear. Rather, they pray for one thing: boldness—the grace to continue speaking and preaching the Gospel without fear.
In the Gospel, however, we meet Nicodemus. He is a good man, a seeker of truth, yet he comes to Jesus at night. His faith is real, but cautious. He believes, but not yet openly. He desires understanding, but lacks the courage to step fully into the light.
These two scenes place before us a powerful contrast:
fearful secrecy versus Spirit-filled boldness.
Nicodemus represents a stage in the journey of faith—a beginning. Many of us can recognize ourselves in him. We believe, but sometimes quietly. We hesitate to speak, to witness, or to stand firm, especially when it may cost us something.
The apostles, on the other hand, show us what happens when fear is surrendered to God. Through prayer and the power of the Resurrection, their fear is transformed into courage. They become fearless witnesses.
The message for us is clear:
Faith is not meant to remain hidden in the night. It is meant to shine in the light.
Like Nicodemus, we may begin in hesitation, but like the apostles, we are called to grow into boldness. And that transformation happens through prayer—when we ask God not for comfort, but for courage.
Have a blessed Week
