Be not afraid

Yeah right!  Be not afraid!  You don't know what it's like!

Gabriel told Mary - "Chill out, chica, you're going to be pregnant.  No biggie!"  Ok, that wasn't his words exactly, but close.  Father Jude-Michael told us today in Mass that Mary was caught in a real catch-22.  To say it was not an easy decision has got to be an understatement.

To say "yes" put her in mortal danger.  In her time, in her culture, an unmarried girl who became pregnant could be stoned to death.  To say "no" was to say "no" to God. 

Be not afraid.

We are also called by God. Perhaps not to carry Jesus in our womb, but to carry Christ to those who need Him.  We are called to spread His word throughout the world.  Sounds like a tall order - but it really is not.  It starts with one person.  One to one conversation.  One to one conversion.

Be not afraid.

If you are nervous about sharing your faith, you are...how should I put this delicately...normal.  But we are called to share our faith.  We are called to carry Jesus to others.  If we are acting in the manner God expects us to, then there is no reason to fear.

Be not afraid.

Start with a simple invitation to Mass.  Do all of your friends and acquaintances have somewhere to go on Christmas?  Everyone seems to know about Midnight Mass, so ask someone to experience it.  (Get there early because all the jingle bell Catholics will be there as well).  Ask someone to your youth group, to a Knights of Columbus dinner, to New Years Eve at the church (admittedly probably not as exciting as Time's Square, but close!)  Ask.  They might say "no", but that's not on you.  They may say "yes".

Be not afraid.

All you're being asked to do carry Christ to them.  One at a time.  Open the door for them and let them in.  And if you're nervous, that's quite normal.  God's got your back.  So does Mary, so do all the saints and angels.  Just ask.

and...be not afraid.