To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Catholic Men’s Devotionals, Week 9 – The Comforter
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “He who through faith is righteous shall live.”
Romans 1:16–17
Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but take your share of suffering for the gospel in the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:8
Often we are tempted to be ashamed of our faith. When we hear people around us speaking against Christ, many of us keep silent, afraid to defend our Savior. Or perhaps we fail to put our faith into practice, neglecting the Gospel and its call to love as we have been loved by God. Jesus has a harsh word for those who call him Lord yet do not live for him: “I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers” (Mt 7:23). To be unashamed of Christ is to accept the trials that come our way as we allow the grace of God to refine us day by day, from one experience to the next.
Being Catholic is an exercise in grace-filled living. Paul reminded Timothy of this by comparing a believer to a career soldier, a committed athlete, and a diligent farmer (see 2 Tm 2:1–7). All three are sold out to the goal set before them. All three work for something that endures and stands as a legacy of faith, whether achieving victory in battle, crossing the finish line, or reaping a bountiful harvest. Our spiritual lives are to manifest this same legacy of triumph and testimony. Being unashamed allows us to live fully what the Gospel is all about.
Questions for reflection
Have you experienced being ashamed of Christ? What was that like? How did you respond?
How can you deepen your commitment to the battles, goals, and harvests before you?
How can you accompany and help a brother who may be tempted to be ashamed of the Gospel?
Praying with Scripture
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Tm 2:15)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
