REFLECTIONS TODAY
Today’s Gospel has two parts. The first part is about Jesus’ warning against the leaven of the Pharisees which he associates with hypocrisy. The basic meaning of the Greek word hupokrisis (“hypocrisy”) is related to play-acting. The second part tells of Jesus’ encouragement in the face of persecution. Here, Jesus basically conveys two things: that the hidden things will be revealed and that Jesus’ disciples need not be afraid of persecution. Jesus is aware that his followers might falter in the midst of severe persecutions. When under threat, people tend to compromise what they believe in, bending to external forces for their survival. Jesus is giving us an assurance of God’s loving providence. He likewise cautions us not to play-act as regards our faith. We cannot in any way compromise our Christian principles. An uncompromising faith becomes a challenge now when relentless relativism characterizes our time.
Do we compromise our principles when threatened? Can we hold on to God’s loving providence? In this time of relentless relativism, how do we live out our faith?
Gospel • Luke 12:1-7
At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven — that is, the hypocrisy — of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
