Ord. Wk 28th October 19, 2018
Reflection on the WORD
“Fears” – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims that we should never fear those who can harm and destroy the body, but not the soul. Eventually, what truly affects our deepest needs and longings is whatever affects our love for Jesus. When we love Jesus fervently, all our fears will be dispelled.
Lk 12:1-7
The people had gathered in their thousands so that they were treading on one another. And he began to speak, first of all to his disciples. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees -- their hypocrisy. Everything now covered up will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. For this reason, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places will be proclaimed from the housetops.
‘To you my friends I say: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. I will tell you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has the power to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, he is the one to fear. Can you not buy five sparrows for two pennies? And yet not one is forgotten in God's sight.
Why, every hair on your head has been counted. There is no need to be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Many of us can be so self-conscious and social status conscious that we will lie and do anything to avoid “loosing face” i.e. embarrassments. How true is this of your relationships?
- Jesus assures us, “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body . . . fear only those who has power to cast you into hell.”
- What is the greatest fear in your present life, if any? How does knowing that Jesus will be there for you and will not let you down help reduce your fears and give you renewed hope for your future?