From today’s Scripture: “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock.” —Acts 20:29

Sporadic persecution was the backdrop of Christianity’s first 300 years. It was expected that those who refused to engage in idolatry would meet unspeakable torture and death. St. Paul warned of the tribulations to come, admonishing the early Church to “be vigilant.”

Spiritually speaking, Christians in our society may be in greater danger. Bishop Robert Barron coined the term “beige Catholicism” to describe a contemporary faith that is culturally accommodating and avoids inconvenience, opposition, and risk.

His phrase convicts me. How am I captive to modern forms of idolatry? How could I be a bolder witness to Christ in our post-Christian society? How might the Church’s social mission inspire me to do that?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to be vigilant about my spiritual inertia and be bolder in my faith. Amen.

Today’s author is Polly Duncan Collum, former parish lay missioner and now director of Glenmary’s Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.

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