Jesus said to his Apostles, "No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. "And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet no one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father."
The Word in other words
When we were younger, my cousins and I were fond of using the term "Don't panic" whenever we find ourselves in a panic mood like studying for the exams or doing a house chore. I remember also teasingly saying these words whenever my father would ask me to do something. It would make him a bit furious, and the next thing I knew is him approaching me with a belt on hand!
The very words at the beginning of this day's Gospel, "Jesus said to his disciples" introduces His instructions to his disciples. Today He is telling us at least three things:
1. No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple to become like his teacher, for the slave to become like his master. As baptized, our life stories, more so our joys and victories, should always be seen as something we have learned from the teachings and examples of Jesus. If you feel that other people, and not you, are advancing in riches and wisdom, if you feel that you are not becoming more patient and generous and maturing in faith, don't panic! Life is a mission, mission is a lifetime.
2. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. If you have truly understood what it means to faithfully do God's will, you'll agree that following Jesus is not a joy ride. HE continues to invite you and me, "Take up your cross and follow Me." It is in these "moments of the cross" when we encounter tribulations and darkness that He in turn faithfully whispers to us, "Don't panic."
3. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. When you find yourself down and hurt; when you're tempted to hate rather than to understand and forgive; when in doubt and afraid, remember, don't panic! "I have loved you with an everlasting love ad that will never change, even if you do." Then again, "I will always be there for you, you are my precious one."
- Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD (CT Manila)
