Isaiah 6:1-8, Ps. 93:1-2,5, Matthew 10:24-33
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Fear is an acronym for “false expectations appearing real.” Fear is an inhibiting spirit that prevents the mind from thinking properly and taking reasonable decisions aimed at one’s progress. Fear can be a tool of the enemy in preventing the labourer from advancing in the rich harvest of God’s kingdom.
Do not be afraid of those who try to blackmail you or threaten to soil your good name. Know that you are more than your body. Jesus says: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Only God should you fear. God is your true defence and security. “Even the hairs of your head are all counted.”
Know that as a labourer, you have become very precious and valuable to God. Jesus says: “You are of more value than sparrows.” God will always be there for you. Even if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, because you mean a lot to God, no evil shall overcome you.
Finally, Jesus says: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.” Am I ashamed of my identity as a child of God or a labourer in God’s vineyard? Do my actions betray my faith in Jesus?
In today’s first reading, we see the call of Isaiah who upon seeing the glory of God and its resplendent beauty was quick to acknowledge his unworthiness before God. God sent an Angel to touch his lips and grant him absolution and this was the beginning of his ministry. We learn from Isaiah the importance of acknowledging our sinfulness before God. Today is Saturday, so why not go for confession?
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, free me from all fears as I labour for you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Saturday of week 14 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 6:1-8, Ps. 93:1-2,5, Matthew 10:24-33)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu