Ephesians 1:11-14
Luke 12:1-7
In today’s first reading St. Paul assures us Christians saying You have been stamped by the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 says the Holy Spirit is poured into us. We pray this psalm often A pure heart create for me O God put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence nor deprive me of your Holy Spirit. Ezekiel Chapter 36. From all your idols I will cleanse you and a new spirit I will put with you. It is therefore the desire of our God to renew us to transform us in our relationship with Him like the joy of a newly wedded bride. This acknowledges the greatness and the power of God.
When Jesus was instructing his disciples in today’s Gospel about their real and sometimes hidden fears, he teaches them that God can help them overcome all their fears. They may be fearful and anxious about what they are to wear, what they are to eat, and where they are to live but God will always Provide. They are to rely on the goodness of others when they may not have enough for themselves. God’s goodness makes everyone capable of being good.
Jesus says in today’s Gospel: “Do not be afraid of those who those who can kill the body, but after that can do no more.” This is difficult for us to grasp. For so many of us, our greatest fear is of those who want to take away our human life. Human instinct takes over. We either fight or run from this danger. This is normal. And yet, like the saints , we can choose to overcome this fear and allow our lives to be at risk for the sake of the Gospel. Perfect love drives out fear!” (I John 4:18) May Love help us overcome every fear we have!
Fr Joseph Osho
