Fr. Mike Schmitz

So always be ready to give a reason for the faith that's within you.

Different translations word it slightly differently.

Here in the RSV, Second Catholic Edition says, always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you.

I've heard years ago, it was always ready to give a reason for the hope or reason for the faith that's within you.

When I was in high school, this line just struck me so powerfully.

In fact, it's the reason why when I went to college, I studied theology.

I said, that's what I want to do.

I want to be able to study scripture.

I want to be able to study God's word.

I want to be able to study philosophy.

I want to know.

I want to be able to give a reason for why I believe what I believe.

It was, as I said, it was the guiding principle, the guiding scripture.

for so much of my life.

Well, how, your grandfather, so he was a Catholic pastor?

And I'm so grateful to the Lord that he has allowed me to proclaim that word today.

Bible reader?

And I'm so grateful to the Lord that he's allowed us all to hear that word today.

Always be ready, always prepared to give a reason for the faith that's within you.

But also I like how Peter says it.