bold-faced type
"Stand up here in front!" —Mark 3:3
Although the whole Israelite army was afraid to fight the giant Goliath, David boldly volunteered and almost begged to fight Goliath (1 Sm 17:32ff).
Although Jesus usually wanted His early miracles to be kept secret (see Mk 1:44; 3:12), He publicly and boldly exhibited His healing of the man with the shriveled hand (Mk 3:3ff), for He wanted to challenge those who would use this sabbath healing against Him.
When the Holy Spirit was poured out at the first Christian Pentecost, Jesus' apostles and disciples ran from the upper room into the streets to "make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them" (Acts 2:4). After Peter and John were released from prison, the Christian community asked God for "boldness" as they spoke God's words (Acts 4:29, our transl). Paul asked others to pray that he would have the courage to proclaim the gospel (Eph 6:19-20). This prayer was answered as Paul boldly and repeatedly confronted hostile crowds with the truth of the gospel (see Acts 14:19-20; 1 Cor 15:31).
In Jesus' gentle, quiet way (see Mt 12:19-20), He is bold and confrontational. He remains a Sign of contradiction (Lk 2:34), Who was rejected and crucified. Be bold as Jesus is bold.
Prayer: Father, give me a holy boldness. May I go public with the gospel.
Promise: "For the battle is the Lord's, and He shall deliver you into our hands." —1 Sm 17:47.
Praise: St. Lawrence's youth group sings and performs skits to spread the good news.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, May 30, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2001