Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.”

 

Gospel Reading: 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.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we learn that God is all knowing. There is nothing that we do or say that he does not know. “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.” The Gospel reading starts with a warning about the Pharisees, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.” Leaven was bread that had begun to rot. This bread would have a foul odor and be absolutely putrid. However, the Pharisees wanted everyone to believe that they were holy and righteous. God knows our actions and our words. No matter how we appear on the outside, God can see right into our soul. He knows if we are jealous; he knows if we condemn; he knows if we gossip and he knows if we hate. We cannot hide our sins or our inward feelings from God. We may whisper in the silence of our closets, but God is there with us. Jesus tells us, “do not be afraid of those who kill the body” but you should “be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna.” Fear is a healthy action which can help us avoid trouble and at the same time help us spur into action. Why should we fear God? Because God has the power to send our soul into eternal darkness. He has the power to separate us from the kingdom of Heaven. The worst thing that can happen to us is not a physical death but a spiritual one. Those who truly fear the Lord will everything they can to be united with him. God is the light which exposes evil. God is also the light which eliminates darkness. We should seek the light and find salvation in the Lord.

 

A Simple Prayer:

 

Lord Jesus, You know my heart and my soul.

You are my light and my salvation,

May this light free me from my sins and transgressions,

May your light lead me to the kingdom of Heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon