August 15, 2026
I sometimes wonder whether Jesus was thinking about modern America when he said to go into your room, close the door and pray in private to our Heavenly Father. Every morning on the train into the city I prayed in public. How else could I use a 5-hour daily commute profitably?
It was same routine. I took out my prayer book and said my morning devotions, and more than once I noticed that people avoided sitting next to me when they spotted a holy card of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Blessed Mother or St. Joseph.
On the other hand, sometimes I feel awkward when we’re in a crowded restaurant and my wife makes the Sign of the Cross and we all say grace. I can almost feel dozens of eyes staring at us and probably thinking, “Those crazy Catholics.”
These times demand that we stand tall and give witness … and never forget the words of Christ who said, “Whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in Heaven.” We have to ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to pray publicly and express our faith, regardless of the fallout. And we should never forget the example of St. Paul and the other disciples of the early Church, who endured hardship and persecution for their beliefs, but emerged victorious.
Be sure of this: Even a small display of your faith in Christ can save another soul wandering in darkness.
©J Pisani
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