16-Oct-15

Gospel LK 12:1-7
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.”
Reflection:
The average human head has approximately 100,000 hairs.
Yet, Jesus tells us, "Even the hairs of your head have all been counted."
Interestingly, Jesus did not simply say that God "knows" how many hairs are on your head. He said the hairs have been "counted."
As much as we love our children, the thought of sitting down and counting every hair on their head would be a challenge, especially if you had several children.
Jesus is assuring us that God knows everything about each of us and has an interest in all that we do. He wants us to take comfort in the knowledge of his love, so he tells us: "Do not be afraid."
Our faith in God is the antidote for any fear we might experience in life.
As goes the old saying, "God did not carry you this far simply to drop you now."
"Do not fear, for I am with you Do not be afraid, for I am your God I will strengthen you, I will help you." Isaiah 41:10