It took courage for Jesus to do what Mark tells us he did.  John’s great popular acclaim had not kept him safe from those in power who did not like being challenged.  Jesus must have had some sense of the risk he was taking in speaking out.

Perhaps he struggled with fear on the one hand, and his sense of call on the other.  Perhaps that’s why he started his public ministry up in Galilee, a bit further away from the eyes and ears of the authorities than John had been in Judea.

This week, I invite you to pray about, and pray for, the gift of courage.

Recall that courage does not mean being unafraid.  Rather, it means not letting myself be paralyzed by my fears.

Look back over your life.  Who have been models of courage for you?  What in particular about them strikes you as courageous, and how does their example touch you and the particular issues and opportunities you face?

Another time, look around you:  Who in your life right now, who in the world right now, models courage for you?  Savor their example, appreciate it and dwell with it, and give thanks to God for these people.

Finally, take some time to look at yourself and your own life right now.  What are you doing or not doing right now because of fear?  How does it feel to recognize that your choices and actions are grounded in fear?  If you were able to act out of your own deepest values and desires and ideals, what would you be doing instead?

Ask God for the gift of courage.