Christianity is more than words or symbolic actions. It begins within our hearts, but it cannot remain there. We cannot claim discipleship by whispering in the darkness but by taking the Gospel message and making it concrete in our world. It is only by acting with trust and courage that we can renew and change the face of the earth.
True discipleship implies that one has to make hard choices. We will not always get what we want, and we may find ourselves at odds with others who do not share our values. It's not easy to do what needs to be done, to say what needs to be said and to work things out when it bothers us to compromise.
But we are told: "Do not be afraid. Fear no one." God knows when even a tiny sparrow "falls to the ground." There is a bit of an ominous tone to this, a hint that the disciples themselves might have to face even death as Jesus' followers. Death may not be what is asked of us but living the faith does have its costs and may even cause pain or at the very least daily sacrifice and inconvenience.
Our response must be one of trust. We must speak in the light when we find ourselves in darkness. We must proclaim on the housetops what we hear whispered in darkness. We are not to fear because God cares about each of us and every part of us, right down to the hairs on our heads. If even the birds fall under God’s care, how much more do we? There's no guarantee that we will have an easy ride, but Jesus reassures us that in the face of trials and perhaps even death, God will care for us.
Our world is full of hype and “fake news,” but the only truth that matters and will prevail is the truth taught by Jesus. And this truth will enable each one of us to see the goodness in life, both that which is visible to everyone and that which is subtle but very real. How can this be? Because God is Truth and God is not only all-powerful but also fiercely attentive.
God is involved in our lives from the very beginning and continuously pours out his love into our lives. His presence is a light that outshines any darkness, and it is a love that calls us to him in eternal life.
Today’s Gospel reminds us of how intimately the Father knows every one of us. Scripture tells us that the Father can identify each and every one of us down to the last detail, the last cell of our bodies.
Our journey of faith is a never-ending one. It is one where we constantly come to know the Father through Jesus. God is always the one who speaks first, who acts first, who loves first. And discipleship always involves a call - an invitation requiring a response. We are challenged to put our faith in Christ even amid the turmoil and brokenness of the world in which we live. But we cannot respond to this challenge without faith and without trust. We believe that Christ is the light that shines through the darkness, allowing us to see things in their fullness. And we trust that the result of such Light is to see Christ everywhere else.
