Luke 12:1-7

Lectio (Reading)

Read the passage twice and get a sense of what it is saying. Pay attention to what strikes you.

At that time:
So many people were crowding together
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
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.
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.”

Meditatio (Reflecting)

Slowly read the passage again, pausing on words or phrases that stands out. Take time to consider the meaning. particularly in your life.

There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed…, Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna… You are worth more than many sparrows.

Oratio (Responding)

Read the passage again, slowly. Consider how God has spoken to you and respond back to Him. You may want to consider how this passage is asking you to act differently.

This passage is about the last judgement. What Jesus is saying is that at the end of time the wisdom and justice of Gods judgement will be made known to all. If you have loved god but made mistakes, the truth of what you really loved will be made known to all. And if you have rejected god, and always chosen yourself first, that truth will be made known to all as well. We may be sad that some will be thrown into Gehenna, but we will also know that those who are cast out are being cast out for perfectly just reasons.

So the message here is clear. Do not be afraid of the people and things of this world that can only harm you physically, but instead, be afraid of the one that can condemn your soul to hell for all eternity. If you do love god, and put your full trust in him, then you need not fear the last judgment. God knows all the hairs on your head, and he loves you dearly. And if you really want to be with him forever, he will give you the grace you need to make that choice, and do what is necessary to make it to heaven, because you are worth more to Him than many sparrows.

I thank god for his mercy and grace, if it has been awhile, you should get to confession, and ask for his forgiveness.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Make a resolution that will improve your life, your relationships, or your faith. Make it small and attainable, and do it.

Oh, lord, help me today to do what is needed to reconcile my soul with you. And give me the courage to start with the ones that you have put here with me to love, and to protect. Amen.