Being Calm and Strong in Jesus' Name

Divine Appeal Reflection - 34

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 34: "In My Name be calm and strong for it is I who ordain the work which you will accomplish."

Before anyone becomes a priest or parent, single or consecrated, employed or hidden, a mission is already entrusted. The modern world defines purpose by role, but Our Adorable Jesus defines it by Name. “In My Name be calm and strong” is not addressed to a select few; it is spoken to every baptized soul. Scripture confirms this when the apostles, ordinary men without institutional status, are sent simply bearing His Name (cf. Acts 4:13). Their authority did not arise from vocation but from belonging. This truth liberates the anxious heart today. A student struggling with direction, a widow living quietly, a laborer unseen by society—all stand equally sent. The Catechism teaches that baptism itself confers participation in Christ’s mission, making every life apostolic in some form (cf. CCC 863). In the Gospels, (cf. Mark 2:14) Jesus calls fishermen, tax collectors, and the sick—not after they are prepared, but while they are found . Practically, this means that calmness is not reserved for those confident in their path, nor strength for those publicly commissioned. Saying the Name of Jesus before beginning the day—before caring for an elderly parent, before sitting at a desk, before enduring loneliness—places that life inside divine intention. The mission may remain hidden, but it is never accidental. The Name assures the soul: you are already sent.

The epistles dismantle the myth that mission requires extraordinary platforms. Saint Paul writes to communities formed of artisans, households, and servants,  (cf. 1 Cor 7:20) reminding them that the Gospel advances through fidelity where they are . Our Adorable Jesus ordains mission not by location but by obedience. Consider a mother repeating instructions patiently, a teacher correcting with integrity, a driver choosing restraint over anger—these acts become apostolic when offered in His Name. The Catechism affirms that the lay faithful sanctify the world from within ordinary circumstances (cf. CCC 898). In Acts,(cf. Acts 16:14–15) Lydia’s hospitality becomes the birthplace of a church . She is not preaching publicly, yet her yes changes history. Practically, this reframes daily burdens. The single person who remains faithful in isolation, the unemployed worker who resists despair, the sick who offer suffering quietly—all carry a mission of intercession and witness. Calmness grows as the soul stops comparing assignments. Strength emerges as perseverance without recognition. Saint Francis de Sales taught that holiness adapts itself to every legitimate way of life. The Name of Jesus, spoken inwardly throughout the day, reminds the heart that no moment is spiritually neutral. Each task becomes a response to being sent—again and again—into the very place one already stands.

Modern culture equates mission with visibility, but the Gospel reveals the opposite. Jesus spends thirty hidden years before three public ones, sanctifying obscurity itself (cf. Luke 2:51–52). Our Adorable Jesus teaches that calmness often arrives only when the soul accepts a mission that will never be applauded. The epistles speak of members of the Body whose unseen roles are indispensable (cf. 1 Cor 12:22). The Catechism (cf. CCC 826) echoes this mystery: the Church grows not only through action, but through prayer, sacrifice, and silent fidelity . Practically, this comforts those who feel spiritually unproductive. A caregiver whose days are repetitive, a contemplative soul misunderstood, a worker whose integrity costs promotion—each bears a mission of hidden holiness. Saint Thérèse called this the “little way,” discovering that love gives infinite value to small acts. In Acts, Ananias obeys a frightening instruction to visit Saul, then disappears from the narrative (cf. Acts 9:10–19). Yet without his obedience, Paul’s mission would not unfold. Strength, then, is not measured by endurance alone, but by trust. Calmness grows as the soul rests in the One who ordains fruit beyond sight. Saying the Name of Jesus in obscurity becomes an act of profound faith: You see; that is enough.

Many abandon their sense of mission because of weakness, sin, or past failure. Yet Scripture insists that mission is not revoked by fragility. Peter denies Jesus, yet is entrusted with strengthening others (cf. Luke 22:32). Paul (cf. 2 Cor 12:9) carries the Name of Jesus while bearing unresolved weakness . Our Adorable Jesus reveals that mission matures not when weakness disappears, but when it is surrendered. The Catechism teaches that God draws good even from moral and human failure within His providence (cf. CCC 312). Practically, this restores hope to the repentant heart. A spouse rebuilding trust, an addict choosing sobriety again, a Christian returning after years away—none are disqualified. The Name of Jesus becomes both mercy and mandate. Calmness emerges as the soul stops rehearsing self-accusation. Strength appears as fidelity renewed each day. Saints testify that humility is the soil where mission deepens. The modern believer learns that saying Jesus after failure is not retreat; it is recommissioning. In this way, even wounds become places of intercession, compassion, and quiet authority.

Mission is not a single moment of calling but a daily sending. Acts proclaims that salvation is found in the Name of Jesus alone (cf. Acts 4:12), yet that Name continues to send believers back into ordinary life. The Catechism teaches that confessing Christ is required of all, (cf. CCC 2471) according to their condition and capacity . Practically, this looks simple and demanding: choosing honesty at cost, responding with patience, refusing bitterness, praying when tired. The apostles (cf. Acts 5:41) rejoice not because their mission is easy, but because it is certain . Our Adorable Jesus assures the soul that He ordains the work—not the timetable, not the recognition, not the outcome. Calmness, then, becomes rooted confidence. Strength becomes steady obedience. Regardless of vocation— (cf. 2 Cor 3:2–3) married, single, consecrated, ordained, young, elderly—each life becomes a living epistle written in His Name . Thus, the believer rises each day not asking 'Do I have a mission?' but 'Will I live it today?' And the Name of Jesus answers, quietly and faithfully: Yes. Go.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, remind us that every life You touch is sent. In our weakness and routine, make us calm by trust and strong by obedience. Ordain our hidden missions and daily duties, that Your Holy Name may be lived, not merely spoken. Amen.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.