The greatest commandments of our Catholic faith are to love God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
But, as Bishop Edward Rice reminded the 3,000 teens, leaders, and volunteers today during the Steubenville Conference closing Mass, Jesus calls us to go a step further. We need to love with our whole heart, so we can become fearless disciples.
“Be all in. That is what the Church needs today. It’s not easy, I know that. But, if this weekend, you took one step closer on your journey of faith to draw closer to Christ…then it’s worth it,” Bishop Rice encouraged the participants.
“We’re living in a culture that is more and more at odds with the Gospel, and it’s only going to intensify,” he added, using the recent overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision as an example. Many in our culture are angry about the decision, and persecution of Catholics is on the rise.
“What is our response to all of this? We need to be fearless in loving God with all of our hearts, and loving our neighbors as ourselves…You must use all of your heart. Be all in. When you do, there is no place for fear,” Bishop Rice explained.
Bishop Rice let us know that are some 360 scripture references to fearlessness and courage. Whenever we need encouragement to be a fearless disciple, we can turn to the Bible as our source of inspiration and hope.
Leave a Comment