Matthew 10: 26-33

Gospel Summary

In today’s gospel passage, Jesus reminds his disciples that they will meet opposition if they try to live his message but that they should not be fearful because all that is hidden will be made known. Most of us would be concerned about having everything in our past revealed, but the attitude of Jesus is not that of an investigative reporter. He is referring to the truth, which he has brought into our world and has entrusted to all his disciples. This teaching possesses a hidden power, so that all the violence and bluster that oppose it, though sometimes appearing overwhelming, will in fact crumble before it. Even death will not be able to withstand the power of Jesus’ word of truth.

How can this be? Because God is on the side of truth and God is not only all-powerful but also fiercely attentive. He is never distracted, so that he takes note of every sparrow, and even every hair of our heads. God watches closely to see that his truth triumphs and that those who proclaim it and live by it share in that victory.

Accordingly, at the final judgment Jesus will himself present to his Father whose who have been faithful to his teaching, just as he will disown those who have allowed themselves to be deluded by the bright lights and sweet sounds of a philosophy that seeks dominance and justifies ego-centricity..

Life Implications

Jesus teaches us that our only source of freedom and strength is the goodness of our heavenly Father–a goodness that is mediated through Jesus himself as well as through good people and beautiful flowers. Furthermore, the discovery of this goodness carries with it the solemn obligation to pass on one’s blessings through concern for others.

Our world is full of hype and glitter, but the only truth that will prevail is the truth taught by Jesus. The elements of this teaching are not mysterious or obscure. First, one must be honest enough to acknowledge one’s need for help in seeking liberation and fulfillment. This same honesty will enable one to see the goodness in life, both that which is visible to everyone and that which is subtle but very real. We must look for the goodness in life and learn to count our blessings

As one sees more and more goodness, and gathers it in, while letting the evil go by, one will become ever more confident and able to love in a way that responds to the needs of others. Such thoughtfulness will often appear unpromising and illogical, but it is in fact quite invincible so that absolutely nothing can withstand it. It is the hidden power of this truth that will be revealed and fully vindicated in the final judgment.

Low self-esteem is a very common form of bondage; it destroys our confidence in the beautiful gifts that God has given us. And that means that others are deprived also. How consoling it is to hear Jesus say, “You are worth more than many sparrows.” This surely means that God is present to every one of us with his offer of love and support. The more we open ourselves to that bountiful gift, the more we will be able to become a blessing in the lives of others.

Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B.