REFLECTIONS TODAY
The sparrow (Hebrew tsippor) is one of the cheapest articles sold for food, yet Jesus says that even this trifling creature is under the heavenly Father’s care. And while the strands of hair are too numerous to be counted, God has counted them all.
These Semitic hyperbolic or exaggerated sayings of Jesus are meant to assure the disciples of God’s care and protection, especially in times of persecution. Though God will not save the disciples from sharing in the suffering of Jesus, this does not mean that he does not care for them.
The troubles and sufferings that may beset those who proclaim their belief in Jesus are nothing compared to the rewards awaiting the faithful witnesses: Jesus will acknowledge them before his heavenly Father. But those who deny Jesus will be faced with tragic consequences on the way to judgment. It is better to suffer misunderstanding and persecution in this world than to earn the judgment of God. On this truth should our choices in life be based.
Gospel • Matthew 10:24-33
Jesus said to his Apostles: “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
“Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.