Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 12: 1-7
October 20, 2023 | Friday
Meanwhile, such a numerous crowd had gathered that they crushed one another. Then Jesus spoke to his disciples in this way, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered that will not be uncovered, or hidden, that will not be made known. Whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places, will be proclaimed from housetops.
I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who put to death the body and, after that, can do no more. But I will tell you whom to fear: Fear the one who, after killing you, is able to throw you into hell. This one you must fear. Don’t you buy five sparrows for two pennies? Yet not one of them has been forgotten by God. Even the hairs of your head have been numbered. Don’t be afraid! Are you less worthy in the eyes of God than many sparrows?
Today’s Reflection:
After He denounced the religious authorities, Jesus turned to His disciples and warned them of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The disbelief and false power of the Pharisees kept them from seeing who Jesus was. Jesus attracted numerous crowds. His name became famous throughout the lands. He knew the challenges this unwanted fame could bring to His disciples. He reminded them to be constantly vigilant and that fame must not distract them from their goal. The Lord knew that fame brings the desire to please others at the expense of the mission. Jesus reminds us to fear not the crowd but God, who has the authority over our souls. Let us not be complacent about our current spiritual growth. Let us move forward and continue to search for God, who is our rest. / Vulnerasti, 2023
