Matthew 10:26-33

Sometimes I have the temptation to interpret the first verses of this Gospel as if they teach those who gossip to stop doing it, because in the end everything will be known and it will be so messy. But, on the contrary, we know that the Gospel of today is an invitation to preach the Good News in spite of the circumstances, because to ‘say’ the Gospel, or to ‘preach’ the Gospel with our own life, can be controversial for those who do not like to be confronted by the truth of the Gospel. The invitation is clear: “So do not be afraid of them” (Mt. 10:26), and the ways are explained: “Speak in the daylight…, proclaim from the roofs” (Mt. 10:27). It is speaking, it is proclaiming, but for me, the best way is by living it out.

Sad to say, many youth today are not ready for commitment; maybe they are afraid, maybe they feel insecure, maybe they have other dreams… or maybe our ways are not clear to them… How difficult it is to invite others to follow Him. Maybe the saying, or the proclaiming, or the living out is not the methodology for today… But still, we have to sow the seed of the Gospel. Jesus invites us not to be afraid even of dying: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Mt. 10:28). The Gospel of Matthew gives us today a sense of dignity as persons: “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more…” (Mt. 10:31). Upon this dignity, we base our commitment and giving of self to Him. He is worthy to be served and adored. And He can give full meaning to our lives.

Father Palau was not afraid to die for the Church: “For you, Church, I forget myself; for you I throw myself into the sea; I plunge into danger. Oh, Holy Church! Take care of me, take care of my individual spiritual needs” (MR, Frag. IV, 2). Those were times of great commitment. But I believe that today there are many committed people, giving their lives for the service of the Lord, if not fully, at least partially: time, talent, and treasure.

Let us not be afraid to give ourselves for the service of the Gospel, for the service of the Church!

Happy Sunday!