In the midst of misunderstanding, persecution and trials experienced by the early Church communities, the believers must remain steadfast to the truth—that Jesus is risen from the dead and remains with them—and no amount of persecution can stifle the truth of the Gospel. God is the author of life, and no amount of intimidation to kill the body should dissuade them from proclaiming “in the housetops” the Good News of salvation. Jesus reassures them of God’s protection, for they are “worth more than many sparrows” (v 7). Sparrows and swallows build their nests in the Lord’s house and seek the protection of his altar (Ps 84:4). But God, who regularly provides birds with food, also use them as food for humans. Sparrows are a poor man’s food, selling “five sparrows for two pennies.” Turtledoves or pigeons are also a poor man’s offering in the Temple (Lk 2:24).

Just as God cares even for the least and mos t insignificant creatures, like the sparrows which are so common that they have very little commercial value, so does God have all our interests at heart. If he cares for these little birds, how much more will he care for Jesus’ disciples? No disciple need be afraid, then, for he can truly say, “God cares.”

Brothers and sisters: What can we say that Abraham found, our ancestor according to the flesh? Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works, he has reason to boast; but this was not so in the sight of God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due. But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. So also David declares the blessedness of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.

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.”