Saturday, July 13, 2024

Do Not Be Afraid

“Therefore do not be afraid of them. 
Nothing is concealed 
that will not be revealed, 
nor secret that will not be known. 
What I say to you in the darkness, 
speak in the light; 
what you hear whispered, 
proclaim on the housetops."
(Matthew 10:26-27)


Jesus calls us to be courageous in sharing our faith and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. As followers of Christ, we will face persecution, challenges and opposition in our faith journey just as He did but shall find strength knowing that we are walking in His footsteps. We should always prioritize God’s approval over human approval and trust in His ultimate authority and justice. If God cares for the smallest creatures, He certainly cares for us. This reassures us of His constant presence and provision in our lives.

24 Jesus said to his Apostles: “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he become like histeacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! 26 “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 27 What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. 30 Even all the hairs of your head are counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32 Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. 33 But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 10:24-33)

Jesus calls us, bold and true, to share our faith in all we do. Stand for right, though trials near, in His footsteps, we persevere. Persecution, challenges, we face, yet find strength in His embrace. God’s approval, our guiding light, in His justice, we find our might. If He cares for sparrows small, surely, He cares for us all. His presence constant, provision sure, in His love, we are secure. Courageous hearts, in faith we rise, walking with Him, our greatest prize. Through every storm, His peace we find, in His footsteps, our hearts aligned.

Lord Jesus, You call us to be courageous, to share our faith and stand for what is right, even when the path is difficult and fraught with challenges. As Your followers, we know we will face persecution, just as You did. Grant us the strength to walk in Your footsteps, finding solace in Your unwavering presence. Help us to prioritize Your approval over human praise, trusting in Your ultimate authority and justice. If You care for the smallest creatures, we are reassured of Your constant care for us. Lord, fill our hearts with courage, and our spirits with steadfast faith. Guide us through every trial, and let Your love be our guiding light. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.


Each of us has a unique purpose and mission. We should always be ready and willing to serve God, be open to His call and to step forward in faith, trusting that He will equip us for the tasks He sets before us. Let us seek God’s guidance in understanding our calling and to pursue it with dedication and passion.

No matter our past, God offers purification and a fresh start when we come to Him with a repentant heart. Acknowledging our shortcomings is the first step towards spiritual growth and transformation. Self-awareness and humility is important by way of recognizing our own sinfulness in the presence of God’s holiness. Let us approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His majesty and power over our lives.

1 In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple. 2 Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they veiled their faces, with two they veiled their feet, and with two they hovered aloft. 3 They cried one to the other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” 4 At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook and the house was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said, “Woe is me; I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said, “See, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” (Isaiah 6:1-8)

Each of us, with purpose true, a mission set, a path to pursue. Ready hearts, willing hands, to serve our God, to heed His plans. Open to His call, we stand, stepping forward, faith in hand. Trusting He will guide our way, equipping us for each new day. Seek His guidance, find our call, pursue it with passion, give our all. With dedication, hearts afire, we follow God, our one desire. No matter past, no matter sin, God’s purification, new life within. Repentant hearts, we come to Him, spiritual growth, transformation begins. Self-aware, with humble hearts, we recognize our sinful parts. In God’s holiness, we see our flaws, approach with reverence, in awe. Majestic power, His grace we find, God’s love and mercy, intertwined. Over our lives, His hand does reign, in His presence, we remain.

Heavenly Father, each of us has a unique purpose and mission, crafted by Your loving hands. Help us to always be ready and willing to serve You, to be open to Your call, and to step forward in faith. We trust that You will equip us for the tasks You set before us. Guide us, Lord, in understanding our calling and pursuing it with dedication and passion. No matter our past, we know that You offer purification and a fresh start when we come to You with a repentant heart. Help us to acknowledge our shortcomings, for this is the first step towards spiritual growth and transformation. Grant us self-awareness and humility, recognizing our own sinfulness in the presence of Your holiness. Let us approach You with reverence and awe, recognizing Your majesty and power over our lives. May Your grace and mercy continually renew us, and may we always seek to live in a way that honors You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.


God’s testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns His house forever. In a world that constantly changes, God’s eternal presence provides stability and assurance. We should trust in God’s control over every aspect of our lives, find comfort in His unchanging nature, knowing that His power is unmatched and His rule is just. His supreme authority and power reigns over all creation, clothed in majesty and strength. We can rely on the truth and reliability of God’s word. Let His promises guide our actions and decisions, and strive to live a life of holiness.

1 The Lord is king, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength. (R) And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. 2 Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O Lord. (R) 5 Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days. (Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5) 

God’s testimonies stand so sure, holiness adorns His house forevermore. In a world where changes never cease, His eternal presence brings us peace. Trust in His control, so vast and grand, find comfort in His unchanging hand. His power unmatched, His rule so just, in His supreme authority, we place our trust. Clothed in majesty, strength, and might, His reign over creation, pure and bright. The truth of His word, a guiding light, in His promises, our hearts take flight. Let His words guide each choice we make, in holiness, our lives remake. For in His truth, we find our way, and in His love, forever stay.

Heavenly Father, Your testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns Your house forever. In a world that constantly changes, we find stability and assurance in Your eternal presence. Help us to trust in Your control over every aspect of our lives. May we find comfort in Your unchanging nature, knowing that Your power is unmatched and Your rule is just. Lord, Your supreme authority and power reign over all creation, clothed in majesty and strength. We rely on the truth and reliability of Your word. Let Your promises guide our actions and decisions, and help us strive to live a life of holiness. Grant us the wisdom to follow Your path and the strength to uphold Your commandments. May our lives reflect Your glory and bring honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.



Pericope:

Gospel
III. Ministry and Mission in Galilee
COMING PERSECUTIONS / COURAGE UNDER PERSECUTION
Matthew 10:16-25 / 26-33

First Reading
II: Immanuel Prophecies
CALL OF ISAIAH
Isaiah 6:1-13

Responsorial Psalm
Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106
GOD IS A MIGHTY KING
Psalm 93:1-5

Related Blogs:

https://noroomforfear.blogspot.com/2024/07/do-not-be-afraid.html
https://pursueyourpurposeinlife.blogspot.com/2024/07/send-me.html
https://workthewordofgod.blogspot.com/2024/07/holiness-befits-your-house.html


Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot

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