A reading from the holy Gospel of Luke 12: 1-7

1Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. 4"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

REFLECTION: Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

How consoling that our Creator loves us so much that He promises us that we are not forgotten and that we are precious in His eyes.

Fear is the driving force for preservation--fear of losing, fear of going to hell, fear of dying a slow death, fear of messing up, fear of being the cause of someone going to hell, fear of drowning, fear of dementia, and fear of failing. It can lead us to panic and despair . Most of that is because we are trying to handle fear on our own.

The dear Lord tells us over and over, "yet not one (sparrow) of them is forgotten by God --the very hairs of your head are numbered. Don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows."

Once in high school I went to a dance with several of my friends. When my friend's mom came to pick us up, I was left behind. I was forgotten--PANIC--how was I to get home? Who was watching over me now that I was by myself? Well a few minutes passed (though it seemed like a few hours) and they came back to pick me up. My abandonment was more of an emotional fear. I could not take care of myself at that age.

With God, our greatest injury or loss is not emotional, nor physical but spiritual. We should have a fear of displeasing God and losing our souls and lives to the devil. We need to have a healthy fear of the Lord, and we need to submit ourselves to the grace and mercy of our dear Father, our Creator.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord, we come to you, with respect and love and a fear of losing our souls. "I sought the Lord and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears...(Psalm 34: 4). Please watch us always and keep a steady hand on us as we maneuver through this life. Amen

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