Saturday 14th July, 2012
St Camillus de Lellis. Isaiah 6:1–8. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty—Ps 92(93):1–2, 5. Matthew 10:24–33.

  
Meditation: mp3 | podcast
Readings: Text | mp3 | podcast

‘Do not be afraid of them.’

Jesus warns his disciples. Just as he has suffered as a teacher, they as his followers will suffer also as they go about proclaiming his teachings. He calls on his disciples not to be afraid of those who challenge his teachings they are proclaiming. All will be made clear.

Jesus then instructs them not to be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. The power over both body and soul only resides in the Father. He is not a Father to be feared in the way the Pharisees taught. ‘Fear of the Lord’ in Jesus’ terms means being deeply aware of God’s sacred presence and having a profound desire to do God’s holy will. Lord, we pray for the grace to always resist fear whenever it seeks to cripple our spirit.