Readings: 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)
Today’s Gospel passage is part of Jesus’ commissioning speech to the twelve disciples about to go into various towns and villages to spread the Good News. Jesus began by giving them authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, cleanse lepers and even raise the dead. Jesus then warned them about monetizing their power, strictly charging them to take nothing for the journey. The disciples were not to force anyone to receive the Gospel. Jesus revealed that He was sending them out as sheep amid wolves; as such, they were to be as wise as serpents but as innocent as doves.
- For anyone who understands the relationship between sheep and wolves listening to Jesus, this is when one would start shaking with fear. Jesus did not seem to help matters when he told his disciples that they would be delivered to councils, flogged in synagogues, and dragged before governors and kings. Since this was the same fate awaiting Jesus as their master, the disciples would face something similar; they would even have to run from one town to another. Amid all of these frightening circumstances, Jesus says: “Have no fear of them… do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul… fear not, you are of more value than many sparrows.”
- Jesus told his disciples that the journey ahead would be rough and difficult, yet they shouldn’t be afraid when they face challenges. This is like beating a child and telling the child not to cry. How do you tell someone to embark on a dangerous road and not be afraid of the dangers? This reminds us of the experience of Jesus and his disciples crossing the sea at night in Matthew 8. Given that today’s Gospel passage is in Matthew 10, we can say that Jesus used that experience to prepare them for this mission. There was a great storm, and the waves swamped the boat, but Jesus was asleep. When they woke Him, Jesus said: “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?”
- The answer to the question (How do you tell someone to embark on a difficult journey without being afraid of the dangers at hand?) is Faith. The only way to face a frightening situation without being consumed by fear is to hold on to your Faith in God. It is knowing that even when you cannot see Jesus physically, He is walking with you. Winning souls for God (evangelization) is a dangerous business; it is breaking out souls held captive by Satan, who does everything within his power to resist. However, we must never be afraid of whatever Satan throws at us because “even the hairs on our head are numbered.” As missionaries, we are valuable to God and enjoy divine protection. We need not fear those who can only kill the body.
- In instructing the disciples about fear, Jesus adds a warning: “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33). This calls for an examination of conscience. How often have I denied Jesus like Peter for fear of being arrested, insulted, cheated or even killed? How often have I participated in an immoral act for fear of losing out on some financial gain? How often do I blend with non-Christians to do evil for fear of being the odd one out?
- If I am ashamed to associate with Jesus in public, especially in a crowd of unbelievers, it simply means I am not yet a Christian. If I am not passionate about my identity, even to the point of dying for my beliefs, it means I am still an unbeliever. Do you remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? Whether we like it or not, we live in a world that demands us to choose between being thrown into the burning fiery furnace or bowing to the gods of today’s world, such as the LGBTQ madness.
- In today’s first reading, we see the call of Isaiah, who quickly acknowledged his unworthiness before God upon seeing God’s glory and splendid beauty. Isaiah’s attitude to God (contrition and humility) qualified him for elevation as God’s minister. As Jesus would say, “I came, not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13). God is not looking for proud people who think they are better than others. God wants to work with humble people who know how much they need help. God does not call the perfect but perfects those He calls – He sent an Angel to touch Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal and absolve his sins. When last did you sincerely and thoroughly confess your sins? Do you consider it too humiliating to tell a priest your secret sins?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free us from all fears as we labour for you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (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 E. Abu