Do not be afraid

Readings: 1^st: Eph 1:11-14; Ps:33; Gos: Lk 12:1-7

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is the Friday of the twenty-eight week of ordinary time. Luke’s message today sounds like an end-time message.

Luke seems to indicate that tension and opposition to Christ is becoming stronger as the authorities look for means to trap him.

So, anyone who follows Christ needs to be focused and ready for anything. Knowing this, Christ exhorts us: “Do not be afraid, for everything that is now covered will be uncovered.”

This includes the plans of the evil ones who are always threatening to persecute and destroy the just.  It suffices to note that Christ knows that fear and the threat of death can paralyze one.

As the Lord of the living and the dead, He knows that physical death is not the end. Instead, it is a transition to eternity.

Hence, he exhorts us: “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hellfire.”

Our hope rests in these comforting and assuring words of Christ, “every hair on your head has been counted.” So, there is no need to be afraid!”

They indicate that the Lord is on our side. He is ready and capable of delivering us from both the consequences and harmful effects of sin and all the threats that we face in our daily lives.

Today’s message is, do not fear. Every little bird is cared for by God. Even the hairs of our heads are counted. In life, trials and difficult moments are inevitable. So, all we need is a leap of faith that hopes for eternal life.

Finally, all we need to do to merit the protection Christ promised us today is to be on his side by trusting him.

This calls for being just and innocent in our ways and actions. It means being true Christians. Of course, it also means submitting entirely to Christ.

Peace be with you all.

Maranatha!