1st Reading: Jer 20:10-13
2nd Reading: Rom 5:12-15
Gospel: Mt 10:26-33
“Do not
be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
Recently
on 3rd June, we celebrated our Uganda Martyrs who most of them were
very young and despite this, they decided to forfeit their lives just for the
sake of Christ. They were not afraid of the king who would only destroy the
body but not the soul. We as Christians should emulate this.
In our
First reading, God's spokesman Jeremiah is attacked and denounced from his own
people. Because of his mission he is being mocked and criticized. Whenever we
do good, there will always be an opposition and rejection from some members.
Despite all these, Jeremiah had confidence in God and believed that his
attackers will not prevail. This reading reminds us that God is with us during
difficult times, though we often fail to look for and seek God at such times. St
Paul also reminds us that Christ Jesus has already justified us, given us
another chance to live from the sinful state. That has never been enough, Jesus
has always willed to journey with us all through our difficult and joyful
experiences. If Jesus had not given us a good example of how to suffer, then it
would be difficult for us to understand about suffering.
Consequently,
in the Gospel, Jesus always reminded his apostles to keep in mind that they are
being sent as sheep among the wolves hence be ready to face any kind of
persecution. However, in the midst of all the persecutions, Jesus wants his
followers to be bold enough. Thus, Jesus makes an emphasis by asserting three
times the phrase 'Do not be afraid,' or 'Do not fear.' Jesus calls us to boldly
proclaim the Gospel message. As the world keep on growing, taking on different
trends like modernization, freedom of expression among others, it becomes hard
for the gospel message to be warmly welcomed without any resistance. Despite
all these, we should not be afraid of any who may attempt to persecute us or
who may reject the gospel message we bring to them. Our God who calls us always
justifies us and walk with us in whichever steps we make. Therefore, He sees
and knows all that is happening in our proclamation of the gospel message, the
difficulties and the persecutions we do encounter. Since he sees all these, He
will reward us for our faithfulness.
The
Apostles having been first evangelized, they are now to go out publicly to
proclaim the Gospel message. It is no longer a secret but should be brought out
in the light. Jesus again reminds us to fear only the Lord and not man
(persecutors) who can only destroy the body but not the soul. "The fear of
the Lord leads to life; one will sleep at night without danger" (Prov 19:23).
It is only those who endure to the end of their lives will be saved by the
mercy and grace of God to an eternity of reward and blessing in the presence of
God. Our fear and trust in the Lord should always make our faith lively and
bold. If Jesus himself, the Apostles, the Saints, the Martyrs did it why not
us?
Therefore, let us resolve today that we will act boldly enough like the martyrs and the saints who despite being subjected to tough persecutions, they choose to remain in Jesus Christ.
MAINA W ELIAS
II Year Theology
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