Reflection for October 16, Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:1-7

Gospel: Luke 12:1-7

At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees. 

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.  

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

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Reflection:

Have you openly voiced out your opinion on something that is wrong? For example, you’ve noticed that something is wrong in your family or in your church community, what do you normally do? Do you simply let it be as if you see nothing and hear nothing for the reason that you’re afraid that you will be rebuked? 

The best course of action to take in such situation is to do something that will contribute to the resolution of the problem. To keep silent and pretend to see and hear nothing is never an option. We have to act without fear and do something appropriate and good. 

As followers of Jesus we must see to it that we are always relevant and always in the thick of things. We have to see to it that we are catalyst in building bridges so that there would be peace and harmony. This is always the right course of action to take as followers of Jesus. 

To be effective we always have to undertake this with calmness and humility. We should not push our weight around and bully people so that they would listen to us. For how could we become Jesus’ instrument of healing and reconciliation if we will act like a bully or dictator? – Marino J. Dasmarinas