Bulletin Article for 19 Sun OTC 2019
 
       Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

       Do not be afraid any longer. These words of Jesus that begin our Gospel this weekend really jumped off the page for me in light of the painful events of last weekend, and because it seems that every day there is something in the news addressing acts of violence, bigotry, hatred, and other forms of cruelty and injustices. “Do not be afraid any longer”. Is Jesus really talking to us? Are we meant to take these words at face value, or is there some theological caveat that needs to be discerned?

       Certainly there can be days when we are made to feel that these words of Jesus are not meant for us. But the wonderful truth is that Jesus is speaking to us, and these are not mere fanciful words that sugarcoat the harsh realities of the world in which we live. Jesus spoke these words to his innermost band of disciples knowing that the Mission that He was sending them on as His disciples would be fraught with danger, risk, violence, and death. Jesus Himself would see His Mission on earth culminate with the violent response of “man” who would inflict upon Jesus His Passion and Death. 

       Dangers in the world which result from the brokenness and sinfulness of humanity were as real in the time of Jesus as they are today. How the ugliness of human sinfulness manifests itself surely looks different now than it did when Jesus walked the earth, but danger and death were all around. So, yes, the words that Jesus spoke to his followers who were surrounded by violence and hatred are, indeed, spoken to us in our painfully fragile and deadly world. “Do not be afraid any longer”. And why? We need not fear because “God is pleased to give us the Kingdom.” We need not fear because even in our brokenness and unworthiness (two things that have been a constant over time) God promises us to lead us to righteousness, justice, and peace. God delights to give us the Kingdom. In a word, we need not to fear because despite all the chaos that seems to reign, the truth is that God is in control. God is the One who reigns. God is faithful in His Promises. And in God’s Loving Plan for us, God delights in giving us the Kingdom.

       I believe that there is a bit of God’s Providence at work here. This past week we not only endured two more mass killings,  the week also marked the anniversaries (Aug 6/9) of the atomic bombs being dropped on Japan, and mid-week, the news told us that our city is bracing for more mob violence with another far Left and far Right clash in our downtown streets. Perhaps with all this, and with more heartache sure to come, our Gospel this day is meant to be a good reminder for us that we need not have any fear; because no matter how insane the world may seem, NONE of it is beyond the Providential Care of the Father, who delights to give us the Kingdom.
                               
                                               
                                                                                                                                  --Father Tom Gaughan C.S.C.