What wouldn’t we do if we knew for certain that we couldn’t fail? Anything! Often we get that stirring in our hearts to change something, to take a step, to talk to a stranger, to challenge an unjust rule, to go for a persistent dream. Yet we stay stuck in our tracks because of the uncertainty of how the journey will be; uncertainty of the repercussions of our actions. Our instinct for self-preservation creates inertia unto self-depreciation. Yes the fear of the unknown is real! Jesus was brutally murdered, so too were John the Baptist and Paul the apostle. Doing that deep stirring of the Holy Spirit in our hearts has risks; especially the risk of failure, mockery and death.
Jesus has good news for us! Jesus brought us the Holy Spirit and demonstrated by his life that though there is Good Friday, the Spirit raises you to glory on Easter Sunday and establishes a lasting legacy. Your reward is with God, you need not scheme for it. Imagine, over 2000 years down the road and still talking about John and Paul. Churches and congregations, publishing houses and institutions of learning are built in their name. This is not just for religious missions, every one who has lived out their unique dream or talent has created a legacy that outlived their existence.
A notable person is Martin Luther King with a national feast on Jan 20th. He had only one assurance for courage beyond fears or doubt in his ability. He said “I just want to do God’s will! I have been to the mountain top and I have looked over, and I have seen the promised land. I may not enter there with you … but we as a people will get to the promised land.” It happened!!! Obama is president of the USA because this man dared to live out his dream! Thanks to Coretta Scott King, his dream partner and wife, his legacy thrives. MLK was sure of his connection with God the Father, finisher of all works, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This is a testimony we can rely on! King didn't wait for resources, the Spirit gave him resourcefulness; King didn't wait for crowds, the Spirit gave him family; King didn’t think of the right time, the Spirit he was connected to is timeless! What about you? Will you decide to do that stirring in your heart?
In our confirmation, Jesus baptized us with the Holy Spirit, who has probably been dormant in you because you are still to engage Her power. Every sacrament is an oath of allegiance, a covenant. The Sacraments of initiation win us the right to back our dreams with our covenant. To say “God I will do your will that you ask of me, I will go for my dream and live my talents; activate my covenant with you and show me the way.” So you are ready for success? Stick your confirmation behind your dream and witness the courage to take that first step in faith, which earns a legacy and shouts “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.”
