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The Wedding Feast of the Liturgy
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.” Matthew 22:1–3
Today’s parable is part of Jesus’ final teachings in Jerusalem during Holy Week. It continues His direct confrontation with the religious leaders of Israel—specifically, the chief priests and elders. Through this story, Jesus unveils the mystery of the Kingdom, the tragedy of Israel’s rejection, and the universal call to salvation.
The central theme of this parable is found in the opening line: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” In this parable, the king is God the Father, the Son is Jesus, and the Wedding Feast represents the Messianic Banquet—a celebration of the eternal joy of union with God. Today, the Holy Mass is a real participation in that Messianic Banquet and a foretaste of its fullness to come.
The first invited guests “refused to come.” This is commonly understood to refer to many among the people of Israel who rejected Jesus as the Messiah, especially the religious leaders. The second invitation was ignored by some and met with hostility by others. This reflects the way the prophets were treated throughout salvation history—ignored, rejected, and often persecuted.
When the king learned of their refusal, he sent his troops to destroy those who had been invited, which is a clear reference to God’s justice, His judgment, and the penalty of grave sin: spiritual death. The king then sends his servants out to invite everyone they can find. This is the mission of the Church. From the moment Jesus founded His Church and entrusted it to the Apostles, the invitation to the heavenly banquet has gone out to the ends of the earth, and it continues to this day.
Each of us has received this divine invitation. Today, the fullest way to participate in the Wedding Feast is through the Holy Mass. The Mass is truly our wedding banquet, and our union with Christ is sealed in Holy Communion. But do we see the Mass this way? Often, we tend to evaluate the Mass by the personality and preaching of the priest, the quality of the music, or other superficial elements.
When we fail to attend Mass as we would attend the Wedding Feast of the Son of God, then we, like the first group, “refuse to come”—even if we are physically present. True attendance requires spiritual attentiveness and interior participation. When we view the Mass as a burden or inconvenience, we act like those in the second group who responded with indifference or hostility.
Ideally, we will attend Mass every Sunday—and more often if possible—willingly, joyfully, reverently, and with hearts prepared to encounter the Bridegroom. This requires that we remain in a state of grace. The parable ends with a sobering image: A man found at the feast without a wedding garment is cast out into the darkness. The “wedding garment” symbolizes the state of the soul, especially the presence of sanctifying grace, which is received in Baptism and restored through Confession. To approach the altar without this garment is to risk being cast out, as the man in the parable was. We must therefore examine our conscience, repent of sin, and prepare our hearts with devotion so that we may worthily partake of this Heavenly Meal.
Reflect today on the Mass as the true Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Do you approach this sacred celebration with joyful reverence, spiritual preparation, and genuine love for the Bridegroom? Strive to make your presence at Mass much more than physical; let it be the expression of a soul properly clothed, joyfully responding to the King’s invitation. May our worthy participation in the Eucharist be a foretaste of the eternal banquet prepared for those who are invited and respond with all their hearts.
My King and Bridegroom of the Church, the Mass is Your Wedding Feast and a foretaste of the eternal Banquet of Heaven. You invite us to this Feast not only in body, but with hearts recollected, minds engaged, and souls prepared by grace. May I always respond to Your invitation with faith and love, and celebrate the Holy Mass with all my heart, clothed in the garment of sanctifying grace. Jesus, I trust in You.
Beyond Mere Goodness
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:20–22
Perhaps one of the most beautiful and tender lines in all of Scripture is found in today’s Gospel: “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him…” The rich young man, whom Jesus loved and personally invited, was undoubtedly a good man—but not yet perfect. His opening question reveals a sincere heart, a faith in Jesus, and a deep desire for eternal life: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus begins His response by recalling the commandments, citing familiar laws rooted in the Shema of Deuteronomy and the holiness code of Leviticus. These commands form the moral foundation of Jewish covenantal life with God. The young man’s reply—“All of these I have observed from my youth”—reflects integrity, discipline, and religious devotion. However, Jesus sees into his soul and gently calls him beyond mere observance of the Law. He invites the young man to something far greater: perfection.
In Matthew’s version of this same story, Jesus begins by saying, “If you wish to be perfect…” In Mark’s version, which we read today, Jesus begins with, “You are lacking in one thing…” Imperfection means incompleteness. It means something is missing. Mortal sin is the complete absence of grace and separation from God, but that was not this rich young man’s struggle. He diligently followed the Law.
The reason Jesus looked at him and loved him was because He wanted this young man’s heart to be perfect. He wanted him to go beyond the mere precepts of avoiding serious sin and enter into divine intimacy, sacrificial love, and total self-gift. Because the young man was rich, his many possessions interfered with his ability to attain the perfection to which he was called. Thus, even though material possessions are not sinful in and of themselves and do not violate the Commandments, they had become an obstacle to the young man’s radical, wholehearted discipleship.
Jesus’ command to “go, sell what you have… then come, follow me” is an invitation to detach from everything other than God and His will. The young man’s sadness at the invitation reveals a hidden bondage; his possessions possessed him. Christ loved him too much to leave him in that state. He wanted the man to discover that the only true treasure is found not in things, but in the Person of Jesus Himself.
For each of us, to follow Jesus fully requires a heart free from attachments that compete with divine love. That is why Christ’s call is both demanding and liberating. It is a call to love without reserve. We are each invited to be good, but not to stop there. We are also invited to become increasingly holy, to follow Christ wherever He leads, and to let go of whatever holds us back. True discipleship always requires a letting go, but what we gain in return is infinitely more. We gain treasure in Heaven and eternal life in the age to come.
Reflect today on Jesus looking at you, loving you, and inviting you to deepen your discipleship. What concrete ways is God calling you to do so? What attachments hinder your growth in perfection and holiness? When Jesus invites us to perfection, we—like the rich young man—may be tempted to walk away sad, finding it difficult to give up everything to follow Him. If you feel the sting of Jesus’ radical invitation and are tempted toward sadness, remind yourself that it is worth it. The little we give up is nothing compared to what we receive. Resolve to say “Yes” to our Lord, and the true riches of the Kingdom will be yours.
My demanding Lord, You invite all Your children to grow in holiness day by day. We are called to go beyond basic goodness and enter into the greatness of Your Kingdom. Please reveal to me those things in my life that hinder me from more radically following You. I pledge to give up all to follow You. Dear Lord, help me to do so with conviction and joy. Jesus, I trust in You.
An Urgent, Decisive, Confident Prayer
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Luke 17:11–13
Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem was the path to His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Fully knowing this, He made the journey willingly and resolutely determined. Along the way, His ministry continued, and those whose hearts were open to Him became part of this journey. The pinnacle of that journey, by which He poured forth the fullness of grace from the Cross, was already at work, pouring grace upon all in His path.
On this day, Jesus’ merciful and determined heart encountered the suffering and isolation of ten lepers. According to the Mosaic Law, leprosy rendered a person ritually unclean and required complete separation from the community. Not only did lepers slowly lose their health, they also lost their families and friends and were barred from synagogue and Temple worship.
For these reasons, it’s not surprising that the lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy. Though unable to join others in the towns and villages to hear His sermons, they had heard about Him—perhaps from excited family members or friends who came from a distance, telling them of His mighty deeds. This sparked hope within them. They were sick, and Jesus was the cure. Likely waiting for Him, seeking Him out, they saw Him from afar and cried out: “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
The Greek phrase translated as “Have pity on us” is a grammatical expression not found in English or many other languages. It is in a verbal form that conveys an urgent, one-time action with decisive force. More than a simple request, it is a resolute plea expressing both deep need and unwavering trust in the one being addressed. In this case, the lepers cry out to Jesus with faith-filled boldness, entrusting themselves entirely to His mercy and authority. The verb form underscores the immediacy and intensity of their plea: Have mercy—now! Heal—completely! Save—without delay! It captures the soul’s cry to God in moments of desperation, confident that even one word from the Lord is enough to bring healing, restoration, and salvation. Their urgent, decisive, and confident plea mirrored Jesus’ own resolute and determined journey to the Cross.
When Jesus sees their faith and senses the deep confidence in their prayer, He tests them so their faith might grow even stronger. Without healing them immediately, He sends them to the priests to show themselves. Without faith, they might have thought, “Why? He didn’t heal us!” But they don’t. They immediately obey—and their obedience is rewarded on the way.
Perhaps the most touching part of the story comes at the end. Only one returns to give thanks. And he is a Samaritan. Jews viewed Samaritans as heretics and outcasts from the children of Abraham. Yet it is this Samaritan who returns in gratitude. Moreover, the manner in which he gives thanks is profound: He “returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.” This is divine worship. Though the others were healed because of their faith, only this man received the deepest healing. His gratitude drew him into an act of worship that healed more than his body—it healed his soul.
Reflect today on whether you are more like the nine or the one. When God answers your prayers, do you move on quickly, satisfied with the gift, or do you return to the Giver with heartfelt gratitude? True faith not only seeks God’s mercy but also responds to His grace with worship. Like the Samaritan leper, strive to fall at the feet of Jesus each day, glorifying Him not only for what He has done for you, but simply for who He is. In that act of humble thanksgiving, you will find not only healing, but salvation.
My resolute Lord, Your eyes were fixed on Your journey to Jerusalem, where You would lay down Your life for the salvation of all who turn to You. Along the way, You encountered many souls, especially these ten lepers. Give me the same faith they had, so that I may beg with confident trust for Your mercy. Most importantly, fill my heart with the gratitude of the Samaritan, so that I, like him, may be drawn into divine worship. Jesus, I trust in You.
An Evil Generation?
Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.” Luke 11:29–30
Imagine a homily beginning with these words: “This generation is an evil generation…” Such a proclamation would surely draw attention and perhaps provoke outrage. Yet these are the very words our Lord spoke to a growing crowd. The “generation” Jesus condemned was not defined by chronological birth within a specific era. Rather, it referred to a spiritual generation—a collective mindset of hardened unbelief. Specifically, it referred to those descendants of Abraham who had been entrusted with the Law and the Prophets and who awaited the coming of the Messiah, but failed to recognize Him when He arrived. The irony is tragic.
God had initiated a covenant with Abraham, which passed to his son Isaac, then to his grandson Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Israel’s twelve sons became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes. During a time of famine, Israel and his family migrated to Egypt, where Joseph had risen to a position of power second only to Pharaoh.
As the generations passed, the Israelites multiplied and became a threat to the Egyptians, who enslaved them. God then raised up Moses and Aaron to deliver the Israelites from bondage. During their forty years in the wilderness, God revealed His covenant to Moses and gave the people the moral, liturgical, and civil laws now contained in the Torah—the first five books of the Bible.
When the forty years were complete, God led them into the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership—a land flowing with milk and honey, the region we identify as modern-day Israel and its surroundings. There, the twelve tribes settled, and Saul was anointed as the first king, uniting the tribes under a monarchy.
The Law given through Moses became the foundation of Israel’s national and religious life. Priests from the tribe of Levi offered sacrifices in the Temple in Jerusalem, and scribes and scholars interpreted and applied the Law in daily life. Yet despite the covenantal privileges they enjoyed, many in Israel repeatedly turned away from the Lord. God, in His mercy, sent prophet after prophet to call His people back, and though there were moments of renewal, apostasy often returned. Over time, Israel was repeatedly conquered and oppressed due to the people’s infidelity. By the time of Jesus, they lived under Roman occupation and longed for the Messiah promised by the prophets.
It was into this religious and historical context that Jesus entered and revealed Himself as the promised Messiah. He confirmed His identity not only by words but by miracles. Given their sacred heritage, one would expect the people of Israel to have recognized and received their Savior. Tragically, many failed to do so. Why? Because their hearts were closed to grace. They expected signs on their terms, not God’s. And so, Jesus rebuked them.
This warning is not confined to the past. It speaks just as clearly to us, the spiritual descendants of Abraham. It resounds in every age. Our generation is no less tempted to demand signs from God while remaining spiritually indifferent, turning from fidelity to His New Law of Grace. We may cling to religious structures or identity while failing in a true conversion of heart. The real question is not whether Jesus was addressing them—but whether His words also speak to us. It’s fair to say that His words transcend time and apply to many today.
Reflect today on the spiritual condition of your soul. Are you among the faithful who respond to the call of repentance? Or are you among those who act like God’s children but ignore His will? Today, just like when Jesus preached, God is here. He is here in the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the life and teachings of the Church. Open your heart today and believe, refusing to be part of this evil generation.
My Lord and Messiah, I believe You are here, in our midst, calling us to repent and to be faithful to the Gospel. Please open my eyes to see You and my heart to profess You. May I never be a part of the evil in this generation, one that professes You with their lips but ignores Your commands. Jesus, I trust in You.
Unity of Heart and Action
Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. Luke 11:37–38
Did Jesus break the Law of Moses by failing to observe the prescribed ritual handwashing before sitting down to eat? He did not. This ceremonial washing was not a precept of the Mosaic Law but rather a tradition developed by the elders. It was intended to signify ritual purity before meals. But Jesus rejected it because it had become a superficial religiosity that separated outward actions from inward holiness.
The Pharisee’s amazement reveals how distorted his and others’ sense of holiness had become at that time. Their faith had become focused on external practices while blind to interior decay. In dismissing the handwashing, Jesus may have been exposing the foolishness of those who cling to appearances while neglecting the heart.
As the passage continues, the Pharisee either expressed his amazement outwardly or Jesus perceived his heart and responded with a passionate rebuke, making for an uncomfortable moment: “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools!”
The word translated as “fools” means “without reason,” “without understanding,” or “lacking moral and spiritual discernment.” It is not used here as an insult but as a prophetic indictment revealing the irrationality of the Pharisees’ priorities in giving excessive significance to an external act while neglecting the interior life.
Though we no longer observe this particular ritual handwashing—likely because of Jesus’ correction—His teaching remains relevant. Many outward religious actions are part of our Catholic devotional life: making the Sign of the Cross, genuflecting, using holy water, kissing a blessed object, and more. Each of these is good and important. However, in light of Jesus’ words, we must continually examine whether our external expressions of faith are joined to sincere interior devotion.
For example, the Sign of the Cross is meaningful only if it is made prayerfully, acknowledging the Holy Trinity. Genuflecting before the tabernacle is a true act of reverence, but it loses its significance if done out of habit or distraction and without an interior acknowledgment of Christ’s Real Presence.
The same principle applies to our interactions with others. Imagine a situation in which you’ve offended a family member and, to avoid conflict, you quickly say, “Oops, I’m sorry.” While the words may be correct, the act is hollow unless it flows from true humility—recognizing the wrong committed, feeling sorrow for it, and sincerely asking for forgiveness.
Jesus’ passionate response to the Pharisee shows us that the unity of our interior and exterior actions is not optional—it is essential. God, who made both body and soul, desires worship that is whole, integrated, and sincere. Holiness is not a mask we wear but a transformation of the heart that radiates outward in word and deed.
Reflect today on the unity between your outward expressions of faith and the inner disposition of your heart. Ask yourself whether your devotional practices, gestures of reverence, and even your interactions with others arise from a heart purified by grace and animated by love. Let this Gospel passage remind you that God sees not only the “outside of the cup” but especially its interior. Strive to ensure that what God sees within you is pleasing to Him—marked by integrity, sincerity, and holiness of life. When the heart is cleansed by truth and charity, every outward act becomes a true offering of worship.
Most charitable Lord, every action You performed flowed from the depths of Your divine love. Never was there an act of devotion that lacked sincerity or truth. Form my heart after Your own Sacred Heart. Strengthen within me a life of authentic devotion and deep love for others. May all that I do outwardly be a true expression of my inner communion with You, radiating Your love through my words and deeds. Jesus, I trust in You.
Love and Conflict
Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.” Luke 11:45–46
Just prior to this exchange, Jesus delivered three piercing rebukes to the Pharisees: “Woe to you Pharisees!” He condemned them for ignoring “judgment and love for God,” for seeking “the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces,” and for being “like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” These are not the words of the inoffensive Jesus often portrayed in secular culture, nor of a Jesus reduced to a vague symbol of kindness and passive tolerance. When a scholar of the law objected, saying He was being offensive, Jesus did not retreat. He intensified His message: “Woe also to you scholars of the law!”
Jesus did, in fact, perfectly embody gentleness, joy, and kindness. But these virtues were never in conflict with the fullness of truth, justice, and righteous indignation. His mercy did not negate His zeal for holiness, nor did His love dilute His call to conversion. Every virtue in Jesus existed in perfect harmony, including the courage to confront sin and hypocrisy for the sake of salvation.
When we encounter Gospel passages in which Jesus sharply rebukes the Pharisees, we may find ourselves uncomfortable and tempted to gloss over them. This is understandable. In our own experience, a cry of “Woe to you!” often flows not from pure love but from wounded pride, resentment, or a desire for revenge. When we are offended, we are prone to respond with judgment, often irrational and emotionally charged.
But in Jesus, there is no disordered anger. His rebukes are never the result of frustration or loss of control. Rather, they issue from a burning charity—piercing, purposeful, and redemptive. His words to the Pharisees were not fueled by hostility, but by a profound desire to draw them back to the Father. Gentle words and reasoned teaching had proven ineffective for them; what remained was a necessary spiritual jolt. His rebuke, though severe, was rooted in divine love meant to awaken their consciences and call them to repentance.
This kind of love can be difficult to receive and even more difficult to imitate. But discomfort is not a reason to avoid entering into the “drama” of divine charity. While it may feel easier to reflect on scenes of Jesus embracing children, healing the sick, or forgiving sinners, today’s Gospel reveals another essential dimension of His love—one that we must also meditate on, understand, and learn to accept.
Though God may not call us to confront others with the same divine authority as Jesus, there will be times when charity compels us to correct, challenge, or admonish someone we love. When that moment comes, the devil will surely seek to distort our intentions, stirring pride, impatience, or resentment so that our correction loses its charity and becomes the sin of anger. If we have not prayerfully reflected on the love that animates Christ’s rebukes, we risk acting from our passions instead of by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Reflect today on how God may be calling you to love with truth and clarity, even when it’s difficult. Ask for the grace to be courageous yet charitable, bold yet compassionate, and always rooted in the burning charity of Christ. By entering deeply into today’s Gospel in prayer, placing ourselves within this charged scene, and viewing it through the lens of divine love, we can begin to understand what holy correction looks like. Jesus teaches us not only how to love gently, but also how to love with strength, especially in moments of conflict, tension, and moral failure.
Most passionate Lord, You loved every sinner according to what each one most needed. To some, You offered tenderness, like a shepherd gently carrying a wounded lamb. To others, You gave a firm invitation to follow You and leave all else behind. Still others You rebuked with a holy passion that pierced their hearts and called them to repentance. Please love me as I need to be loved, and give me the grace to receive Your love fully and without resistance. May I also imitate You and be guided by grace to compassionately, tenderly, mercifully, courageously, or fiercely love others where they are. Jesus, I trust in You.
Knowledge of God’s Kingdom
Thursday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
“Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say. Luke 11:52–54
Jesus speaks of the grave failure among the scholars of the law who “have taken away the key of knowledge.” This key symbolizes the grace and responsibility entrusted to religious leaders to open the way to divine truth, to guide souls into the mysteries of God, and to lead them toward eternal life. Rather than use their role to invite, teach, and illuminate, these scholars obscured the truth. They not only refused to enter the Kingdom themselves through faith and humility, they also hindered others who sincerely sought salvation.
By distorting the law of God and burdening the people with fabricated human traditions, they effectively locked the door of understanding and silenced God’s Word. Such a betrayal of truth leads to scandal and spiritual blindness, and Jesus warns that it merits severe judgment.
This passage speaks to all of us who are entrusted with the task of teaching and leading within the Church, the family, and our communities. The truths of our faith are not to be distorted or diluted. They must be faithfully handed on with clarity, humility, and love, even when the message is challenging to the listener.
In many ways, the distortion of the Gospel is worse than its outright rejection. Those who reject the Gospel must seriously examine their consciences and repent. But those who profess faith and then misrepresent it to others are guilty of a double sin—their own lack of authentic belief and the confusion they cause in others.
Though Jesus’ criticism of the scribes and Pharisees pertained to their distortion of the Torah, prophets, and Wisdom Literature, Saint Paul offered a parallel warning to the early Church. In 2 Corinthians 11:1–15, he speaks of those who proclaim “another Jesus,” preach “a different gospel,” and possess a “different spirit” than the one originally received. He calls them “false apostles, deceitful workers,” and adds that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light,” so it is no surprise if “his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness.”
Paul’s warning mirrors Christ’s own. Those who outwardly appear religious or apostolic may, in fact, distort the Gospel in subtle yet deadly ways. They may present a message more appealing to worldly sensibilities, more accommodating to vice, or more flattering to human pride, but it lacks the transforming truth of Christ crucified. Their words may sound pious, compassionate, and welcoming, but if they lead souls away from the narrow path of truth, they are not from God.
Such deception is especially dangerous because it cloaks itself in the appearance of holiness and is not always easy to discover. For this reason, Saint Paul calls for vigilance, fidelity, and deep rooting in the authentic Gospel handed down once and for all. The same warning applies today. We must be alert to teachings that reshape the Gospel into a human project rather than a divine revelation, and we must humbly pray for the grace to remain faithful stewards of the key of knowledge.
Reflect today on the great responsibility entrusted to the Church to uphold and pass on the truth of the Gospel. Whether you are a parent, teacher, minister, or simply a witness in the world, consider whether you clearly, lovingly, and courageously proclaim Christ in both word and deed. Pray for the grace to lead others not by your own opinions, but by the saving truth entrusted to the Church. That Truth is the only Key to the Kingdom of Heaven!
Lord of all Truth, Your pure and holy Word is the only Eternal and Saving Truth we need. Free me from every distortion of that Truth, and grant me the courage and compassion to bear faithful witness in this world. May I never water down the Gospel—whether from a false sense of compassion, from weakness, or from confusion. Make me a clear and unwavering instrument of Your love and mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.
Properly Ordered Fear
Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
“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.” Luke 12:4–5
Physical harm, or even death, is not the greatest threat we face. Certainly, many people fear the idea of dying suddenly; when such a tragedy occurs, the deceased’s loved ones rightly enter into mourning. The pain of loss is real. Jesus, however, is clear that our far greater fear should be eternal separation from God. In fact, many martyrs throughout history have been highly honored for courageously facing death with faith and ultimate trust in God—choosing to fear sin more than their physical well-being.
In the passage above, Jesus prefaces His exhortation by lovingly calling His disciples, “my friends.” He says the same to us. He then exhorts us not to fear those who can only kill the body but can do no more. Instead, we should fear only the one “who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna.”
At first read, it might appear that Jesus is speaking of the devil, but He’s not. Satan has no power to cast a soul into Gehenna—that is, hell. Only God has that power. Jesus is clear: we must fear God—“Yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.”
Do you fear God? While this could seem confusing, it is actually liberating when understood properly. The fear of which Jesus speaks is not a disordered fear based on evil threats. It is a holy fear—one of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. That gift was first articulated in the Old Testament: “The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
When one fears God in the sense of reverent awe and childlike obedience, worldly threats and even diabolical attacks lose their power. The fear that holy souls possess is the fear of losing their friendship with God. This form of holy fear is the beginning of wisdom because it rightly orders all other fears. Fear in and of itself is not evil. It is a natural emotion that must be properly ordered, so that holy fear remains and unholy fear is overcome. Holy fear—such as fear of Gehenna (hell) or of disobeying God’s perfect will—brings forth the good fruits of repentance, vigilance, and spiritual freedom.
When our soul’s fears are properly ordered, we will fear only that which separates us from God: sin. Worldly fears are diminished when we have a holy fear of God alone. We fear neither persecution, misunderstanding, loss, unexpected tragedy, nor anything else in this world.
Just as Jesus begins this exhortation by tenderly calling His disciples “my friends,” so He continues His compassion by revealing His Father’s perfect providence toward those who trust in Him: “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” (Luke 12:6–7).
Jesus’ exhortation to fear God remains clear and absolute. It is softened by the revelation that if the Father cares even for common sparrows and if He counts every hair on your head, then God, who is both all-loving and all-knowing, can and should be fully trusted. At the same time, a holy fear of separation from God should draw us ever closer to Him in humility and love.
Reflect today on whether your fears are rightly ordered. Do you fear the loss of eternal life more than the trials of this passing world? Allow the fear of the Lord to take root in your soul—not to cause anxiety, but to deepen your faith, increase your trust, and strengthen your resolve to remain always close to God.
All-loving and all-knowing Lord, Your providence is perfect for those who foster a holy fear of separation from You and grow in deep affection for Your holiness. Please fill me with the Gift of the Fear of the Lord, so that I fear nothing in this life except harming my relationship with You and those whom I am called to love with Your love. Jesus, I trust in You.
Our Confession of Faith
Saturday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” Luke 12:8–10
Why would those who speak a word against the Son of Man be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit not be forgiven? One common interpretation is that speaking “against the Son of Man” represents a misunderstanding of Jesus’ earthly teaching. We know that even the Twelve Apostles misunderstood Him during His earthly ministry. On a number of occasions, Jesus asked them, “Do you still not understand?” (cf. Mark 8:17–18; 7:18; Matthew 15:16).
To lack understanding of the Gospel is certainly a deficiency, and it may become sinful, especially when that misunderstanding is expressed in words. That’s why Jesus says that those who speak a word “against the Son of Man will be forgiven.” This sin is often the result of weakness or ignorance and does not necessarily involve grave matter. It is still sin and must be repented of. But Jesus identifies a far graver sin: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Of this sin, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting, rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss” (CCC 1864).
Since such obstinacy in sin is deadly and can lead to eternal damnation, it must be avoided at all costs. We must never persist in sin with a hardened heart. Such obstinacy is itself a grave sin, even if the particular sin we cling to is not, in itself, objectively serious.
Obstinate persistence in sin, then, is the lowest point we must never reach. But we are called to more than just avoiding obstinate persistence in sin. The ideal is found in Jesus’ earlier statement: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.”
Do you acknowledge the Son of Man before others? What does that look like, practically speaking? It means living your faith openly and without shame. It means speaking of Christ when the opportunity arises, defending the truth of the Gospel with charity and clarity, and bearing witness through your actions, even when doing so is difficult. To acknowledge Christ is to live in such a way that others see Him in your words, your decisions, your priorities, and your love. This public witness may at times bring rejection, ridicule, or even persecution. But when we confess Christ in this life, He will confess us in the next, before the angels and before the Father in Heaven.
Sometimes, when we think about this life and the next, we focus only on avoiding what is gravely sinful. We may reason, “As long as I’m not a serious sinner, I’ll make it to Heaven.” While that might be true, obstinacy in small sins can be magnified over time. Recall the words spoken to the Apostle John in his vision: “So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).
Reflect today on the sincerity and fervor of your faith. Are you “hot,” burning with love for God and eager to proclaim Him? Or have you grown lukewarm, complacent, or hesitant to fully live and share your faith? Consider especially any patterns of small sins or compromises that, over time, may have hardened your heart or dulled your spiritual zeal. God calls you not to minimalism in faith but to boldness, zeal, and an unwavering witness. Let His mercy penetrate every area of your life, and let your life become a confession of Christ before the world. In the end, it will be worth every sacrifice, for He Himself will acknowledge you before the angels of God.
Lord Jesus, I desire to confess You boldly and without fear. Forgive me for the times I have remained silent or compromised the truth. Free me from all obstinacy and hardness of heart. Set my soul aflame with the fire of Your love, and help me to witness to You in all things. May my life proclaim You on earth so that You will proclaim me in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.
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