Readings:
Ephesians 1:11-14
Luke 12:1-7
Reflection:
After his confrontation with the Pharisees and Scribes, Jesus now turns to the crowds. We are told that they were gathering round him in their thousands, so densely that they were trampling on each other. Clearly, they were hungry to hear a man who had spoken in such an extraordinary and daring ways to their religious leaders.
But Jesus begins by speaking first to his own disciples. He once again warns them of hypocrisy, this time comparing it to the yeast which, though small in quantity can wreak great damage to my life and that of others. Very often I am not aware of my own hypocrisy, so I ask for the grace of light, and of a pure heart.
He goes on to say, “Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known”. The Church is not a secret society, although it has its “mysteries”, its special teachings and rituals; the Church is of its very essence evangelical. What is my message to the world?
Jesus speaks encouraging words to his followers in the face of opposition – the reassurance of God’s faithful love, care and support. God cares for the smallest and most vulnerable of his creatures. The Jews used to say that every blade of grass has its own guardian angel. God has an eye for the details, for the monsters as well as the molecules. We mortals are born and die in our millions, many of us unregarded or forgotten. Yet the Lord cherishes each of us personally. Without that faith I would despair.
God loves each of us so much that even the hairs of our heads have been counted. As I let the gentle force of these words enter my heart and inspire me with God’s provident care for me personally. I remain in wonder and gratitude. How about you?
Giltus Mathias CP is a Passionist priest that lives at St.Brigi’s Community Marrickville.