Do Not Be Ashamed

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

As I have noted on a few occasions, the culture and society of the Middle East during the first century after Christ was an honor driven culture. Honor was the key component in determining a person's status or place in society. Conversely, dishonor or shame was to be avoided at all costs. This is often reflected in the Scriptures, but none more so than those writings which concern themselves with the passion and death of Jesus and his disciples. Consequently, when St. Paul is thrown into prison, his disciples and associates felt the sting of dishonor just as surely as he would have.

However, placing his faith in the resurrection of Jesus, Paul comes to understand that true honor does not come from human beings. Rather it is God who bestows honor and determines shame. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, St. Paul realizes that what human beings perceived as a dishonorable death was really the key to Jesus' honor and glory. Following this line of reasoning, he considers it an honor to receive the same kind of treatment.

We hear this reasoning come through loudly and clearly in the opening verses of St. Paul's second letter to Timothy which we begin to read today. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. (2 Timothy 1:8)

To the extent that honor and shame motivate our own society, St. Paul's message is timely and important to us as well. Witnessing to our faith can give rise to an occasion of ridicule and scorn in today's world. St. Paul reminds us that ridicule and shame for the sake of the Gospel places us in the footsteps of Christ, a very good place to be.