12th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel Thoughts 2020
Sunday 21st June Feria
Gospel Reading – Matthew 10: 26-33
‘So do not be afraid of them. Everything now covered up will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.
‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing.
Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ‘So if anyone declares himself for Me in the presence of human beings, I will declare Myself for him in the presence of My Father in heaven.
But the one who disowns Me in the presence of human beings, I will disown in the presence of My Father in heaven.
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Philip Michael Plant RIP
Reflection
In Saint Matthew’s Gospel today, Jesus sent his apostles out to be his witnesses in the world and he also knew that they would be putting their lives in danger. He knew that as a consequence they were afraid. Jesus understood their fears and tried to reassure them. He also told them not to be afraid of human beings all they can do is kill the body but that they should fear God. Jesus is not telling us to base our relationship on FEAR but on a spirit TRUST.
Jesus, asks his disciples can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father knowing…So do not be afraid: you are worth far more than many sparrows.
What Jesus is doing, Is trying to move us away from fear to a place of trust. We know that Fear creates, insecurity, defensiveness, distance and suspicion. On the other hand Trust leads to closeness, intimacy and a sense of safety.
This Sunday Jesus wants us to know how far reaching and all embracing is the knowledge and care of God, for us who love and trust in him.
- What score would you give your Fear and Trust in God?
- Depending on your score, what work do you need to; to embrace that total love that God has for you?
Fr John