Friends,
in today’s Gospel Jesus deals with our fears. What is the greatest fear
that we have? Undoubtedly, the fear of losing our own lives; we fear
the death of the body. Jesus is telling us not to worry
about those paper tigers that can only affect the body and its goods.
All
of the body’s goods come to nothing compared to the supreme good of
life with God. Therefore God alone should we truly fear—doing his will
should be our exclusive concern.
Let
me state this more positively. When I am in love with God, when I am
"fearing" him above all things, I am rooted in a power that transcends
space and time, a power that governs the universe in its entirety, a
power that is greater than life and death.
More
to it, this power knows me intimately and guides me according to his
purposes: "Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one
of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have
all
been counted. Do not be afraid." Because of this I have nothing to fear
from anything or anybody here below.
Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs
Lectionary: 471
Brothers and sisters:
In Christ we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
At that time:
So many people were crowding together
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
"Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
"There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends,
do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear.
Be afraid of the one who after killing
has the power to cast into Gehenna;
yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows."
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