Lk 12:1-7
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 darkness will be heard in 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?”
REFLECTION
First, let’s observe the success of the preaching of Jesus: the crowd is so numerous that they crushed one another.
Sometimes Jesus uses the metaphor of ‘yeast’ to explain the nature of the Kingdom. Here he uses it as a warning against Pharisees. Their hypocrisy is like the yeast with which they corrupt the people. But Jesus proclaims the universal revelation of all secret thoughts and actions. This is a solemn admonishment against hypocrisy and a caution for us. Nothing is secret before God. Let us love transparency and entrust our past errors to the mercy of God.
Our fear is not to the possible killers or persecutors, but to those, who through temptations to sin, can throw our soul into hell for ever. But Jesus stresses that the Providence of the Father does not forget us; more than sparrows He is attentive to our persons even in the smallest aspects like our hair. By his teachings, Jesus shapes the hearts of disciples. We remember the revelations to St Margaret Mary Alacoque, the saint of today.
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