“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”

In last Sunday’s Gospel reading from Matthew 10:26-33, Jesus assures the Twelve that God cares about them. After choosing the Twelve, Jesus sends them to preach and warns them about the persecution they may likely suffer and advises them on their attitude: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”

Jesus predicted that the disciples would face difficulties in their mission to proclaim the kingdom. Many people would not receive them well, even family members within the land of Israel, because of their commitment to Jesus and the kingdom. But Jesus offered the disciples consolation against this difficult truth: “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge….So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Jesus put suffering in perspective for them… and for us. We are called upon to keep our focus on God. Those who can harm the body do not have ultimate power; God does. Persecution and suffering cannot be avoided or prevented. Sometimes we let others' opinions prevent us from doing what we know is right. We need this reminder that what God thinks about us is more important.

Jesus reassures us that God knows and cares about what happens to His children. We can be reassured by the promise that God cares for us and protects us. We can trust that He will bring some good out of every bad situation. Trust. Surrender. Believe. Receive.

As we go through the “busyness” of life this week, let us pray for the grace to live without fear, acknowledging Christ in all we say and do. Have a blessed week! Trust. Surrender. Believe. Receive.