Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
With so much fear mongering in the world, the teaching of Scripture and of Jesus Himself, the Word made flesh, is clear: have no fear. Be aware that for those who love God, He is always with them, like a strong warrior against evil, like a loving Father carrying His children, like a mighty deliverer, filled with the Grace of Redemption. Not even the sin of Adam and Eve will have the last word: the grace of God abounds as a free gift for those who receive it by faith.
We are conscious of the Presence and Love of God. Someone with no faith recently asked a priest at a luncheon: Where is God? Being of Indian origin the priest replied with great wisdom and humor: You sound like a fish in the ocean, asking, “where is the water!”
Jesus assures us: Have no fear of human beings. God knows all, and all will be revealed in His time. God makes all things beautiful in His time! Do not even fear those who can kill your body. If they do, it will be your transition to eternal life and glory, to the place Jesus says he is preparing for all who love Him.
What a beautiful image from Jesus, that even the hairs of our head are numbered. We have divine dignity, and as much as God loves all his creatures, we are more valuable because we are created in His image to have a loving intimate relationship with him. Whatever is done to our bodies or whatever happens to our bodies over time, we have to let go of our bodies, and we will receive a perfect spiritual body, like Jesus showed us in His Risen Body.
Much more real, beautiful, eternally young, like the angels. Our inner beauty developed over time through faith, hope and love, and the other virtues, being tested and tried in the fire of our pilgrimage on earth, will be revealed when the veil is lifted. We can with great love and confidence acknowledge the wonder and truth of Jesus before other people, who will then acknowledge us before the Father for all eternity.
Love conquers all. Truth, Beauty, Goodness and Love will ultimately be victorious. We who persevere to the end will be saved. We should expect persecution and not be discouraged by it. As we share in the sufferings of Christ, so shall we share in His glory.
The church is going through great challenges, especially as so many have lost or given up the Christian faith in Europe. I was told by a Catholic in Netherlands recently: What shows that God still loves us, is that he sends priests from India and Africa to help us. There is always a holy remnant, and there are signs and pockets of revival. God is with us, and with His Grace we will overcome all challenges.
To God we commit our cause as Jeremiah says, and so we continue to sing to the Lord, and praise the Lord.