Have you ever had to get up in front of a large crowd of people and give a speech?  If you ask ten people what is their biggest fear, 9 of those ten would probably say speaking to a room full of people.  For some reason, we all have an anxiety about getting up in front of people and speaking.  Now, what if you had to get up in front of people and speak about your relationship with God?  Most would say something like, “I’d rather die than have to do that.”  We are already afraid of public speak, and most people are uncomfortable sharing their faith with others, so when you add the two together, the anxiety level of a person can sky-rocket.

Imagine what must have been going through the minds of the disciples in today’s Gospel when Jesus says, “When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.  For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”  He’s basically telling them to go into these situations unprepared and rely on the Holy Spirit.  Any number of us would cringe at the thought.

I can attest, however, that the Holy Spirit does indeed inspire thoughts and words when we learn to commune with him.  The Holy Spirit is not only available to a select few Saints, rather, the Holy Spirit is available to every Christian by virtue of his or her Baptism and Confirmation.  Sometimes, we forget that the Lord promised to send us an Advocate.  Sometimes we neglect the Holy Spirit in our lives.  

Imagine what it would be like to speak openly and honestly about our faith in public and to have people follow Christ because of your words.  That’s what we are all called to do and that’s what we all can do if we just trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us.  People do not want to believe in an idea, people do not follow and idea; rather, people want to believe in and follow a person.  It is up to us to introduce others to the person of Jesus Christ, whom we have all met in some way in our own lives.  Be bold, be strong, be unafraid…preach the Gospel at all times.