Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
A quick read of the gospel today could easily cause some confusion. Jesus sounds mighty contradictory: “Do not be afraid (4)…be afraid (5)…be afraid (5 again)…do not be afraid (7)”. What?!? The dictionary definition of fear is something akin to an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Christ is drawing a contrast between two different kinds of fear. The first is a misguided fear; the second is a healthy fear.
We are mistaken to fear the world, “those who kill the body.” Fear of the ways of humanity is distracting. When we fear others, we think that sin can be hidden; we believe that we can cover up mistakes and flaws. However, just because we can hide things from people and trick people into thinking well of us, God is no fool to hypocrisy. The fear of others produces hypocrisy and hypocrisy produces more and more fear until we are enslaved by it. When we seek the approval of others, we will go to great lengths to maintain that approval–lie, cheat, steal.
On the contrary, Jesus commands a healthy fear of God. It is not our comfort and wellbeing in this world that lies in the hands of our Lord, but ultimately our salvation. Jesus is quick to link this fear of God with trust in His love. “Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows” (Lk 12:7b). You and I are chosen by God because we are each created very intentionally and authentically in His image. “Even the hairs of your head have all been counted” (7a); “From heaven the LORD looks down;
he sees all mankind” (Ps 33:13). In as much as God is attentive to the details of the tiniest of birds, the sparrow, so God is attentive to the details of our lives. We are worthy, nay, we are chosen! Chosen for hope; chosen for purpose; chosen for discipleship; chosen for mission. We are “destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things” (Eph 1:11).
Truly, “Blessed are the people God has chosen to be his own” (Ps 33:12). Being a member of God’s team means that our lives have purpose and meaning. We are to go out and bear fruit for the kingdom. No matter how “unqualified” we may feel at times to make a difference, God does not see us that way. Rather, we are given the grace for love and kindness, for justice and peace, for prayer and action. We are chosen for holiness.
God loves you deeply and dearly; He sees you and knows the details of your life. Bring your life to God, knowing that He is interested in you and concerned for your good. Entrust yourself to our good and gracious God; know that God will receive you, treasured and full of value. Our identity as faithful disciples lies in our willingness to embark on this journey to encounter Christ daily. We are men and women on a journey to do good, to be love, to go forward. Be not afraid: think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, act like Jesus. You are chosen! You are loved! May our good and omnipotent God bless you.
Peace,
Brandon Meyer