Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. (Matthew 10:26)
To help me reflect on today’s readings, I read the footnotes of my Bible. It said, “The concealed and secret coming of the kingdom is to be proclaimed by them, and no fear must be allowed to deter them from that proclamation.” Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often preached about the coming of the Reign of God. He cured the sick; called the poor, those who mourn, the humble, and the peacemakers blessed; told parables about the kingdom of God being like a small mustard seed or yeast; and taught about forgiveness and discipleship as carrying one’s cross, loving God, and loving one’s neighbor including enemies. He did all these things to show that the Reign of God is a kingdom full of love, mercy, and justice for all, not just those we like or think are deemed worthy of our love. Jesus calls his disciples to proclaim this Gospel and to not be afraid to do so.
Therefore, what holds us back from proclaiming this good news? What fears, doubts, biases, and prejudices do we need to let go of? The love of God is seen in the way that we care for each other. What prevents us from fully loving others? Being disciples of Christ involves looking into ourselves to see what stands in the way of who God calls us to be.
This Gospel passage also invites us to learn from Jesus, “It is enough for the disciple to become like his teacher,” (Matthew 10:25). As disciples of Jesus Christ, how can we learn and be more like him especially in proclaiming the message of God’s love, mercy, and justice includes all people? It starts with loving our neighbor, for when we love and have compassion for those around us, they will know the love of God. Let us pray that we will not be afraid to love others as God loves them. Let us respond to God as Isaiah the prophet responded to God in the first reading, “Here I am.. send me,” (Isaiah 6:8).
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI