DAILY HOMILIES #timidity

In the Beatitudes, Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Jesus did not say, “Blessed are the timid.” There is a difference between meekness (humility) and timidity (being frightened). It is one thing to be humble, but a different thing to become afraid of the devil or ashamed of God.

When Peter and the other apostles gave up their doubts (about Jesus’ resurrection), they became completely different persons; they were no longer afraid of anybody. Even the chief priests and religious leaders became scared of them. They wondered how “uneducated, common men” could be so bold and powerful (even performing miracles). No wonder St. Paul said timidity is not a gift of the Holy Spirit.

ust as a single candle is never intimated by the darkness of an entire room, “No gree for anybody” means that we must never be intimated into sinning (even if this entails suffering). Some Christians are so timid of proclaiming their faith in public. Who says we have to blend in with the culture of immorality?

Timidity and goodness do not go together. If we are truly what we say we are, then acting as though we are ashamed of our identity is a betrayal of our goodness. For instance, some Christians are so shy when they dress properly but they feel extremely comfortable and proud when wearing indecent clothes.

Being timid is trying to hide the gifts and talents that God has deposited in you. It is a form of spiritual coldness or slothfulness. It is keeping quiet when you should raise your voice for God out of fear of what people would do to you.

Being timid is trying to hide the gifts and talents that God has deposited in you. It is a form of spiritual coldness or slothfulness. It is keeping quiet when you should raise your voice for God out of fear of what people would do to you.