Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8, Ps. 93:1-2,5, Matthew 10:24-33
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Jesus told his disciples that the journey ahead would be rough and difficult, yet they shouldn’t be afraid when they face challenges. How do you tell someone to embark on a dangerous road without being afraid of the dangers? This reminds us of the experience of Jesus and his disciples crossing the sea at night in Matthew 8.
Given that today’s Gospel passage is in Matthew 10, we can say that Jesus used that experience to prepare them for this mission. There was a great storm, and the waves swamped the boat, but Jesus was asleep. When they woke Him, Jesus said, “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?”
The answer to the question (How do you tell someone to embark on a difficult journey without being afraid of the dangers at hand?) is Faith. The only way to face a frightening situation without being consumed by fear is to hold on to your Faith in God. It is knowing that even when you cannot see Jesus physically, He is walking with you.
Winning souls for God (evangelisation) is a dangerous business; it is breaking out souls held captive by Satan, who does everything within his power to resist. However, we must never be afraid of whatever Satan throws at us because “even the hairs on our head are numbered.”
In instructing the disciples about fear, Jesus warns: “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33). How often have I denied Jesus like Peter for fear of being arrested, insulted, cheated or even killed? How often have I participated in an immoral act out of fear of losing out on financial gain?
In today’s first reading, we hear the call of Isaiah, who quickly acknowledged his unworthiness before God upon seeing God’s glory and splendour. Isaiah’s attitude to God (contrition and humility) qualified him for elevation to the office of God’s minister. As Jesus would say, “I came, not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13).
God is not looking for proud people who think they are better than others. God wants to work with humble people who know how much they need help. God does not call the perfect but perfects those He calls – He sent an Angel to touch Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal and absolve his sins. When was the last time you sincerely and thoroughly confessed your sins? Do you consider it too humiliating to tell a priest your secret sins?
Today, we remember St. Benedict, the Abbot. He was born in Nursia, Umbria, and studied in Rome. However, he could not stomach the city’s dissolute life and became a solitary hermit at Subiaco. His reputation spread, and some monks asked him to be their abbot. Benedict organised various small communities of monks and nuns in various places, including the great monastery of Monte Cassino. He drew up a set of rules to guide the communal life of monasteries. Although this was not the first monastic rule, the Rule of St Benedict has proved so wise and balanced that it has served as the foundation of practically every attempt at communal living.
Let us pray: O God, who made the Abbot Saint Benedict an outstanding master in the school of divine service, grant, we pray, that, putting nothing before love of you, we may hasten with a loving heart in the way of your commands. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Benedict, Abbot. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Isaiah 6:1-8, Ps. 93:1-2,5, Matthew 10:24-33)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu