REFLECTIONS TODAY
The leaven of the Pharisees — their hypocrisy — will not remain hidden; it will be uncovered someday. On the other hand, the truth about Jesus and his message will be proclaimed “on the housetops.” Nothing is hidden from God; there is no hiding from him. The Psalmist confesses, “Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too” (Ps 139:7-8).
This conviction that the omniscient Father takes care of Jesus’ disciples will give them courage to announce the Gospel and to persevere in the midst of persecution. They may for a time be misunderstood, even taken as evil because of Jesus’ name, and be put to death, but in the end they will be justified before human beings. More than this, they will be acknowledged before the assembly of angels and saints in heaven—by the glorious Lord Jesus himself.
GOSPEL • LUKE 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.”
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.