Matthew 10:26-33

 TWELFTH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME – YEAR A

Commentary of Fr. Fernando Armellini

A good Sunday to all. 

Today's evangelical passage is part of the second sermon that the evangelist Matthew presents in his book. The first sermon is the famous one on the mountain; this second sermon that Jesus makes is not addressed to the crowds but to the group of disciples who have followed him and are sent on a mission. 

Matthew maintains this text because it is not directed at that small group that Jesus was forming; it is addressed to anyone who today feels that they are a true disciple of Jesus of Nazareth, with a task to fulfill and sent on a mission. Therefore, we are these disciples who are sent! 

Jesus gives them directions before they go; he tells them what message they should announce to the world. It is very simple: "The kingdom of heaven is near." Being ‘near’ does not mean it is about to arrive; ‘near’ means you can already be part of it; it's here, so don't miss this opportunity to receive the kingdom of God, the new world that Jesus of Nazareth introduced. Then, the task they have to do is to "cast out demons, cure all diseases." 

What does the 'demon' mean? It’s all that strength of the old world, old worldliness, that wants to perpetuate a kingdom that belongs to the evil one; it is not that of love. These demons are not the new kingdom. ‘Demons,’ in the plural, because many demons must be expelled, and this is the disciples' task. 

Then, cure all diseases. Not organic diseases ... doctors take care of them; these diseases prevent the realization of authentic human life in a person. We know these diseases, these demons, very well. They are pride, envy, jealousy, and the desire to accumulate goods from this world ... these are the demons that prevent the kingdom of God from being established in the world. The disciples' task, therefore, is to announce that the kingdom of God is here, and then the second task is to cast out demons and cure all diseases. So, we face a sick world, and we are sent to this world. 

Then, a third indication: the way the disciples should present themselves. And this is also true for us today if we want our mission to be effective. No bags of money, no two robes, one is enough, no sandals, not even a cane, which was the poor man's defense weapon ... none of that! The disciple has no weapon; he presents himself (Jesus will shortly say) like a lamb amid wolves. 

In short, these disciples appear deprived of everything indispensable for a movement that would like to assert itself, for a party that wants to be successful in this world; it needs money and many other things. The message that the disciple is called to introduce into the world is a message that has an irresistible divine force. But if you trust resources, which are those of the world, it means you do not have confidence in the strength this message has by itself. 

Then Jesus clearly explained what the disciple would inevitably face if he wanted to carry out his mission. What reception will the disciples have? Jesus says: Don't expect to be greeted with applause, no! You will be like lambs among wolves, so be wise as serpents, simple as doves; therefore, be loyal; you have nothing to hide! The disciple is certainly not greater than the Master who has been called Beelzebub ... don't expect anything better. 

When Jesus said these things (I'm summarizing this part of the sermon, the context in which today's passage is inserted), hearing these things, the disciples must have been stunned; they must have asked themselves: ‘But if this is so, will it be worth the effort for a cause that will surely fail? We had followed the Messiah, but we did not expect this; perhaps it is better if we give up everything; we return to Capernaum and resume our life, like everyone's life, a good life...." But this is not the new world; it is a life still inserted in an old reality. 

Jesus read in their eyes the fear of committing themselves to this mission. Fear has a positive vital function because fear warns you about danger and, therefore, prevents you from making wrong decisions or reckless gestures that can cost you your life. Beware if one is not afraid! It is said that "young people are the best soldiers and the worst drivers" because they do not fear danger. Therefore, they risk their lives quickly. But if fear gets out of control, it becomes an obstacle because it prevents you from making brave gestures, and then fear paralyzes you. 

If you want to follow Christ, remember that the first reaction you will experience will be fear; if you do not experience fear, it means that you have not understood what Jesus asks from you and where he wants to take you. He was afraid too, but if you want to be a disciple, you cannot let fear dominate you; otherwise, think of something else: you can be an admirer of Christ, you will practice some devotions, some pious work, even good works, but you will not be fully involved in his proposal to become a builder of the new world. 

The theme of today's Gospel is what Jesus tells us about the fear the disciples experience. Let's listen: Jesus said to the Twelve: 

“Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”

In today's Gospel passage, Jesus will repeat three times: "Fear no one.” Jesus says: ‘You will experience fear; I have also experienced it, but I did not allow myself to be guided by fear; I made brave decisions, and you will have to do the same.’ 

The first fear that Jesus considers is the one that the disciple experiences from a danger that does not come from outside but from within. The fear that everyone experiences is as follows: ‘I have to go and announce a new man, a new world, but am I making it happen in me, or am I afraid to accept this kingdom of God, this new world? How can I announce it to others if I have not assimilated it myself? I am fearful of making this total choice. Accepting something from this mission may be possible, but giving my life to Christ... I don't think I can do it! I am afraid of giving up my selfishness; I keep thinking about myself when I make decisions, or I am so scared to open my heart to unconditional love, even the enemy ... this is too much! 

Also, when it comes to accumulating some assets, while the brother needs it, I can't give that up... then also the unconditional forgiveness ... Then there is the fact that next to me, around me, I see people make opposite decisions to the one Jesus proposes. I am involved in this reasoning; I can't escape those things! I also have doubts: wouldn't it be better for me to adapt to what everyone is doing and enjoy life without doing nasty things but without overthinking about others? Wouldn't it be better if I also reached a deal? If I make certain sacrifices, in the end, won't I regret it?’ 

Here is the fear of making the wrong decision by accepting the proposal of Jesus of Nazareth. One is afraid of ending up among the losers of history. To this fear, Jesus gives the first answer: Remember: Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Nothing will remain hidden; everything will be known in the end... In the end, life will be evaluated not in light of human criteria but in the light of heaven and God; then, it will appear clearly what was the right life and the wrong life. The theater of the ephemeral of this world closes, and the truth remains. 

Your works of love are hidden today; However, the people you admire, the successful people, are others, but don't be afraid to choose what I propose to you because someday the darkness will dissolve. When the light of God's judgment shines in each person's life, everyone will see that you have made the right decision, that you were right!’ 

It's not just the inner darkness that scares you but also the dense darkness you know you'll find when you are called to bring this light into the darkness of the old world. You are afraid to confront the external darkness because you will discover distrust, closure, rejection, and hostility... and in this condition, you will prefer to remain silent, keep the hope you have in your heart, and choose to stay calm and quiet. It is fear that leads you to hide and conceal your Christian identity. 

Fear of reasoning as a Christian among people who follow other principles and make speeches inconsistent with your thoughts. So, you're afraid. You are so scared to reveal your identity as a disciple. You fear being considered a retrograde, outdated, naive who has not yet assimilated what most people approve of, one who has not understood the modern mind when thinking about the choices of life values, about the very value of life from its conception to its natural conclusion ... You may not have the courage to present yourself as a disciple of Christ because you fear being ridiculed. Jesus says: ‘Bring out what I told you in the dark.’ ‘They were in the dark when they received my light; now they have light; bring this light to the world, without fear of the darkness of the world.’ 

It is not the light that should be afraid; it is the darkness that must be afraid because if a room is illuminated, although the light is a little weak and shaky, as it is often our faith, if we open the window at night, it is not the darkness that enters, it is the light that comes out, darkness always loses, it always has to lose! Jesus reassures the disciple: ‘Despite all the trials and difficulties, the gospel will spread and transform the world.’ Now, he tells us the second reason why the disciple should not be guided by fear: “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” 

When we are afraid, an optimistic friend always comes to reassure us and says: ‘You will see that nothing will happen to you.’ Instead, Jesus says to those who want to be his disciples: Keep in mind that something will certainly happen to you, even worry if it doesn't because it would mean that you have adapted to everyone's way of thinking and living, you have not disturbed anyone and that is why they leave you alone. You know that if you preach specific values, you annoy those who don't believe in them, and they will annoy you even more if you live by them consistently. 

Remember what the Book of Wisdom says in chapter two: "The life of the righteous is different from that of others, and the paths it takes are completely different." Remember, says Jesus clearly, that whoever opposes the new world doesn't want a new world to be established; the old world is okay for them... Also, remember that these people can kill you! They are the martyrs of the Gospel, and today there are many, and only God knows most of them; however, we know that those who denounce injustices, who in the name of the Gospel side with the weak, the poor, and also challenge the strong financial powers of the world to know that they are made to pay! Think of the many Bishop Romero! This is fear. 

Our life is not questioned today, at least here in our context. Still, we will certainly face opposition from those who think differently than Christ, perhaps false accusations, ridicule, and marginalization. Consider, for example, certain painful misunderstandings within the same family and certain kind smiles, but they do a lot of harm. Sometimes, we hear the confidences of mothers who tell us: ‘When my son sees me going out on Sunday, he asks me: what are you going to do in church? Stay home and rest. These stories of religion are things of the past, vestiges of the Middle Ages in which nobody believes today, nonsense things.’ 

These smiles do a lot of harm, and they must be considered if one is practicing the values of the Gospel. Sometimes, smiles can also be for things we should avoid because sometimes it is not about the Gospel or the evangelical life that is questioned but certain obsolete religious practices. This certain credulity has never made sense. However, when there is a testimony of authentic evangelical life, we also consider the misunderstanding of family members. 

Jesus also experienced it; the Gospel of John tells us that not even his family believed in him. Jesus invites us to reflect: ‘When they dramatically persecute you, threatening your life, as it can happen, or even in other ways, such as ridicule, marginalization, offenses... Think: What harm can enemies of the Gospel do to you? Maybe lose advantageous positions, not allowing you to advance in a career, but no violence can deprive you of the only good that lasts, which is the life of the Eternal that has been given to you. 

No one can touch your identity as a disciple, and this is what matters; the life remains. Biological life does not last long; the important thing is that real life, the divine life of the son and daughter of God that is in us, cannot be touched! Therefore, the disciple must not be afraid! Jesus says, ‘If you are afraid of someone, you cannot be my disciple because if you are scared of a person, you consider him dangerous, an enemy and, therefore, you are on guard... how to love him? You can't be afraid! It can undoubtedly hurt you but will not ruin your person because your life does not depend on it. 

Now Jesus says there is someone we must fear because it has the power to make you perish in Gehenna in body and soul. Who is this dangerous character? It is not external to us; it is the evil force in each of us. We all experience it. Is that nonsense that leads us to reason and live without considering what Christ tells us? 

It is this negative part present in each of us that we must control, which we must fear because it can ruin our lives; it must be kept under control; otherwise, it leads us to Gehenna, says Jesus. Gehenna is not hell; it was Jerusalem's garbage dump, and it is a crude image that Jesus uses; he says: ‘If you follow the evil one that is within you, you throw your life in the garbage bin. You must fear this evil one, not external enemies.’ 

Now let's listen to the third reason: 

“Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted So, do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Whoever recognizes me before men I will recognize before my Father in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” 

Perhaps we have also used the well-known expression "nothing happens that God does not allow." This saying is the medieval interpretation of the Lord's saying about sparrows that we just heard. It is an incorrect interpretation because it is not true that nothing happens without God's will. There are many things that God does not want and cannot even avoid. 

Jesus presents the third reason the disciple of Christ should not be afraid with two images: the first, the one of the sparrows, and then the one of the hair of the head. Jesus says: "Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?" (let me add in parenthesis: it is interesting how Luke tells us this saying of the Lord. He does not say two sparrows for a small coin, but five sparrows for two coins; there was 5 X 4 at that time!) ... and we closed the parenthesis... 

What does the sparrow represent? He was the most insignificant creature at the time of Jesus. Consider that in the Mishnah treatise of B'rakhoth; there are blessings for all creatures created by the Lord, except sparrows, because a town of farmers had no sympathy for the sparrows that ruined the grain crops. 

Jesus says: ‘You are afraid, but if God cares for the most insignificant creatures like sparrows, how come He doesn't care for his sons and daughters? Jesus presents this comparison because the choice to follow him involves not only the person who makes this decision but also those who are close to him. 

For example, if a father decides to manage the assets according to the Master's proposal, he does not accumulate; he is satisfied with the daily bread and what he has in surplus he gives to the needy; this choice not only involves him but also to his whole family, maybe he will not be able to give his children everything that others give... the superfluous is excluded in that house. Perhaps the sons or even the wife disagree with this choice. Jesus says: ‘Do not be afraid, be consistent, do not worry about the consequences that may happen and that can scare you because God is a Father who cares even for sparrows, the more he will take care of you and your family if you are faithful to his Gospel.’ 

Or if you have a profession that forces you to compromise with your conscience, for example, an arms factory where you earn a lot, you quit that job and agree to choose another, much less paid profession. You will not succeed. Maybe it won't be accepted by the members of your own family; they will not share this option because they have other dreams to fulfill in their lives. ‘No! —says Jesus—be consistent, don't be afraid. If you are honest, maybe you won't have certain career opportunities. Be consistent with your conscience, and don't fear the consequences!’ 

Jesus answers these questions by appealing to trust in the Father in heaven. He does not promise his disciples that nothing will happen, that they will always be rescued, with miracles, with wonderful things, no. He only promises one thing to the disciple: ‘You have made the right decision by following the Gospel; be consistent with your beliefs.’ 

Then the other example is the reference to the hair on the head whose number eludes everyone, and even if we count them the next day, the number will have already changed. Nothing escapes the Father. You care about the amount of hair on your head; worry about the hair on your head. Oh, God will surely take care of you. You have promised to accept his proposal and become the builder of a new world. 

The text ends with a promise: 

"Whoever recognizes me before men, I will recognize him before the heavenly Father." 

What happens when we find ourselves in the middle of many people and, at some point, we listen to someone calling out our name? It takes us out of anonymity; we feel a little more important. Before, we were nobody, and now someone has recognized us. But who is the person who recognized us? If that person is famous, we are proud, and people around us say, ‘This guy is in the company of that star,’ for example. Maybe I could be in a mafia group and be recognized as one who is with people of ill repute. 

‘Here's what's important—Jesus says—at the end of your life, I will recognize you as someone who looks like me, as one of my group.’ For this reason, ‘make yourself recognized in this world as someone who knows me.’ We remember Peter; when questioned, he said: "...but I don't know him", that is, I do not belong to that group, I do not belong to those who resemble that person. ‘Here is what is important—Jesus says—let yourself be recognized as my disciple in this world; don't be afraid to be recognized because what will be important is that in the end, I recognize you as someone who is like me because if you look like me, you are the Son of the heavenly Father.’ 

I wish you all a good Sunday and a good week.