On the significant day of Pentecost, which fell on May 19, 2024, we are reminded of the timeless courage of the Apostles. In Acts 4:23-31, they boldly preached, defying the Sanhedrin’s command to remain silent. The grace, Lord, “to speak Thy Word with all boldness,” was bestowed upon them by the Holy Spirit, a testament to the enduring relevance of their message in our modern world.

Since hearing this passage at mass, a thought has stuck with me. What does preaching the “Word with all boldness” mean today?

We are blessed to live in a world where Catholic philosophy and Thomistic thought are readily available to the laity. Yet, we also exist in a time when sin and man’s fallen nature are starkly exposed. This is a paradoxical and challenging reality.

I speak primarily about the true idea of freedom—choosing the good instead of our culture’s concept of freedom, which is liberty to licentiousness. Our current world, which tears up any and all moral law without examining it first, is paying the piper. As movement upon movement rolls out, calling for the freedom of sexual libertines and perversion—the freedom for prostitution, and developing quickly the freedom to abuse drugs and the freedom to commit suicide and murder—we become all the more unhappy.

One of the driving forces of present-day conversions and reversions is how simply miserable and unfulfilled people are living such “liberated” lifestyles. Folks are trying their way thoroughly and finding its promises reprehensibly false. This gives me hope for others, for the world, and for this generation. People are recognizing that there is a real tyranny to rebel against, and it is the tyranny of sin.

As laypeople, it is our responsibility to be the positive force in society and make small changes that priests, due to their position, may need help to make. We should boldly preach the word while also being prudent and not alienating others or acting timid under the pretense of false prudence. We should be strong and courageous, like a lion.