Homily for July 14, 2018).
“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, they say, 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 actually be a tool of the enemy in preventing the labourer from advancing in the rich harvest of God’s kingdom. As terrorism is to the progress of nations, so is fear to the child of God.
It is not enough that we receive anointing and spiritual authority. It is not enough that we understand the dynamics of our mission. Neither is it enough that we apply the wisdom of the serpent and the innocence of the dove. We must also have the courage, the tenacity and the fearlessness to move ahead in the face of threats.
The basis of our courage hangs on the following:
One, PLACE LESS IMPORTANCE ON REPUTATION. Do not be afraid of those who try to blackmail you or threaten to soil your good name. Be prepared to suffer a poor reputation for doing what is right and for speaking the truth than to carry a good name to hell. For working so many miracles and doing a lot of good, Jesus’ nickname was “Beelzebul.” In labouring for God, be sure to expect even worse nicknames.
Two, REMEMBER YOU ARE MORE THAN A BODY. This second point deserves a lot of emphasis. Jesus said: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Even if you were to die for the mission, remember that there is something in you that can never die. You are more than flesh and blood, you are essentially a soul. Never be afraid of anyone who threatens you with death because you are immortal. Fear only God who can destroy both soul and body.
Three, GOD HAS GOT YOU COVERED. Jesus said: “Even the hairs of your head are all counted.” What does this mean? If it is not the will of God that you lose one hair, nothing will happen to that hair strand. Your life is not in the hands of any man or woman. People install CCTV cameras around their homes and they employ security guards to follow them for protection. Jesus is assuring us today that God’s security system is even better equipped and far more sophisticated than any camera or security man. God watches even the tiny hairs on our head.
Four, EVERY LABOURER IS PRECIOUS AND VALUABLE TO GOD. Another reason you should never be afraid is the fact that God cherishes you a lot. Jesus says: “You are of more value than sparrows.” You are more than just a number to God, you are important to God. 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.” As this week comes to an end, let us take some moments today to reflect on how we have either acknowledged or failed to acknowledge Jesus in all our activities this week. 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, why not go for confession!
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, free me from all fear as I labour for you. Amen.
*Happy Weekend. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 93:1-5, Matthew 10:24-33).*
Fr. Abu
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