Courageous Action

By Nic Herrmann

After the resurrection of Christ, we Christians are no longer afforded the excuse of fear as a reason for inaction. As I sat with the story of the Passion of Christ, I thought much about the terror, dread, and shame the apostles must have lived with as their friend, Jesus, was taken from them, tortured, and killed. I own that guilt and shame because I suspect that had I been in the garden the night Jesus was arrested, I too would have been silent while an innocent man was taken away. How heartbroken a fully human Jesus must have felt to watch his lifelong friends renounce their friendship with him. In an act of extreme violence, Simon Peter cuts off the ear of a high priest; Jesus is quick to condemn this violence in a clear message to all that violence is never the answer to injustice.

But in Jesus’ Resurrection, cowardice is transformed into courage and inaction into action. We will hear and read in the coming weeks about the courageous actions of the apostles: the miracles they perform and the words they speak, all in the face of adversity, danger, and death. Jesus’ resurrection does not eliminate fear but equips us with the Spirit to overcome this fear. As God says to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced for I am with you (Acts 18: 9-10).”

We live in a world and a community that requires courageous action. God grants us the Spirit to act with justice and truth, while acknowledging that fear is real and danger is present. This Easter season, let us contemplate the action needed to create a more just community and world, and let us harness the courage Jesus won for us with His victory over death.

Consider joining us at Marilac Center for one of the following events:

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
4:00 p.m. to Sunday, May 31, 2026, noon
This event takes place in Ross Chapel
Fr. Frank Reale, SJ

In a preached format, Fr. Frank Reale will direct us in The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The movements include the four weeks highlighting major themes like the Principal and Foundation to the Contemplation to Attaining the Love of God. The movements include the four weeks, highlighting major themes like the Principal and Foundation, to the Contemplation to Attaining the Love of God.

Silent, Directed Retreat
Join us for a silent, directed personal retreat for one or more days, any time between June 19 and 25, 2026.

Beloved Discipleship: Johannine Gospel
Monday, October 12 (4 p.m.) – Sunday, October 18 (4 p.m. – Mass)
This event is held in Ross Chapel
Sr. Mary McGlone, CSJ

The Beloved Discipleship Retreat will examine the Gospel of John as the way of entering into the call we each have to become the beloved disciples of Jesus in today’s world. The rhythm of prayer will include times for silence, personal prayer, and individual accompaniment if requested.