Love for life did not deter them from death

Sisters and brothers in Christ, today's Gospel reminded me these verses from the Book of Revelation, which is prayed in Evening Prayer:

For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, Who night and day accused them before God. They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb And by the word of their testimony; Love for life did not deter them from death. So rejoice, you heavens, And you that dwell therein!

Even though the "Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death", even the threat of death did not deter our Lord from carrying out the mission that his Father in heaven gave him. Rather, Jesus continued to preach the kingdom of heaven and cure all those who followed him. We this is "heroic witness" through the history of the Catholic Church in her saints, many of whom were martyred for their faith and belief in God.

We are called to be "heroic witnesses" of God's love to those we encounter in our daily lives, by our words but, most of all, by what we do for our neighbors. How can we overcome our fear (whatever it may be) to help our fellow man in need? More importantly, how can we overcome whatever it is that is holding us back from following Jesus completely and loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind?

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Gospel of the Day

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.