Scripture:
Wisdom 18:6-9
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12
Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40
Reflection:
I’m afraid despite the fact that one of the most repeated scripture admonitions is to “be not afraid”. I am afraid if I tell you who I really am, you will laugh or worse, you’ll tell me that’s sinful. I am afraid to pick up the pieces when everything in my life seems to have come to an end. I am afraid when I have to comfort a friend who has just suffered a great loss. What can I say? Will I make their loss worse and how can I possibly make it better?
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,
for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
Sell your belongings and give alms.
Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,
an inexhaustible treasure in heaven
that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Luke 12:32-34
Did you really mean that Jesus? Maybe this is what Chesterton was referring to when he wrote: “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried” – G. K. Chesterton
God, give me the courage today to try once again.
Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists. He lives in Chicago.