Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Have No Fear!

At my age, I know for sure that the hairs of my head are numbered. How I wish that I had this full head of hair! Every time I wash my hair, I worry that soon I won’t even need a comb!

Certainly the hairs on my head matter so much to me right now. My vanity is high! Even as the volume of my hair matters to me, I matter so much more to God. That is the message of the Gospel this weekend. God knows and loves me so much, so much more than the number of hairs or the value of sparrows.

Jesus tells us that we should fear nothing. Jesus knows that the last instructions he is giving to the Twelve Apostles before they are sent on a mission will leave them vulnerable to the scorn of civil authorities. He assures them that the Holy Spirit will give them words to speak. Even when the situation is dire, they should be full of hope because God knows even the number of hairs on their head.

This Sunday we have the opportunity to reflect on what it is that we fear. The loss of hair may be one. But seriously, whom or what do we fear? And then we recall that we are always in God’s presence. We can take a deep breath and give those fears to God as we release each breath. And when we take in a deep breath, we take in the immense presence and love of God.

Have no fear! Let no fear have power over you! Trust God’s promise to be with us to find a way to face whatever comes.