Our Venerable Father Isidore of Pelusium. Post-feast of the Enounter.
1 Peter 3:10-22; Mark 12:18-27.
Read 1 Peter 3:10-22
St. Peter reminds us to always be prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in us. As Christians, we are called to be missionary disciples, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet. Our faith is not just something to be kept to ourselves—it is a gift meant to be shared, a light meant to shine in the darkness.
The song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love,” and while love is the hallmark of our faith, it must be more than just philanthropy. As followers of Christ, everything we do—our acts of kindness, service, and charity—is done for His sake, not merely for the sake of doing good. It is through these actions, rooted in our love for Christ, that we can present Him to the world.
This week, as we continue to celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the temple, we are invited to reflect on how we, too, can present Christ to others in our daily lives. Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as the Light of the world and boldly proclaimed Him as the fulfillment of God’s promise. In the same way, we are called to make Christ known, even when it’s difficult.
Today, many people do not know Christ, and we cannot take for granted that others understand the hope we carry. Like the apostles, we are sent to bring Christ’s message to the corners of the world. This doesn’t always require grand gestures; it often begins with small, intentional acts of faith—a kind word, a willingness to listen, or a simple explanation of why we live as we do.
St. Peter encourages us not to be afraid, even if we are mocked or misunderstood. Our hope in Christ is unshakable because it is rooted in His victory over sin and death. Let us ask for the courage to share this hope, confident that God will use our efforts, however small, to bring others closer to Him. May we always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, presenting Christ to the world through our words and actions.