A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[484] Phil 1:18b-26  Ps 42:2, 3, 5cdef  Luke 14:1, 7-11

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

“…but that with all boldness, now as always,
Christ will be magnified in my body,
whether by life or by death.”

After reading this verse, I immediately thought of all of the saints, apostles, and Christians who have ever died for their faith. St. Ambrose Kibuka, Blessed Martin, St. Gunifort, Blessed Isabel Fernandez, and so many more unnamed and unknown people have given their lives while defending our faith. Martyrs are some of the most incredible people to have ever walked this earth. I pray that if I ever was in a situation where I would be killed for saying I believe in my savior, Jesus Christ, that I would courageously and shamelessly be put to death for him.

Being bold for the Lord is not limited to being killed however; magnifying Christ in our bodies’ can mean bravely defending our beliefs to our family, friends, peers, coworkers, and others who may ask us questions or criticize the ways that we live our lives for him. I will never forget hearing the line from the movie, “Facing the Giants,” that says the Bible tells us to “fear not” around 365 times. I think that is pretty amazing AND ironic- a “do not be afraid” for every day of the year!

And so I pray today: May we follow Jesus with a confident heart, with unwavering commitment, and finally may we be secure in his promises of our eternal life through him and with him. May our souls magnify the Lord. Amen.