How can we not be afraid when we live in a wicked world? If it is better to be safe then sorry, why should I stir up trouble by speaking about my faith when it might get me killed or beaten if I were in the wrong place at the wrong time? Is it not better to speak only to a select small group who would listen? Why choose to be frowned upon or ostracised by a larger group who might not even listen?
It did not occur to me then as it does now, that the fear I had was the same one; from the Evil one which kept me bound and gagged. You Dear Lord saved and set me free. Free from sin and safe from all distress to love and serve You and my brethren. To boldly share the message of salvation with vigour, power, love and self control.
For we live not of this world but for the Kingdom of our heavenly Father to come. Amen
First reading
Ephesians 6:10-20
Gospel
Luke 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came up. ‘Go away’ they said. ‘Leave this place, because Herod means to kill you.’ He replied, ‘You may go and give that fox this message: Learn that today and tomorrow I cast out devils and on the third day attain my end. But for today and tomorrow and the next day I must go on, since it would not be right for a prophet to die outside Jerusalem.
‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused! So be it! Your house will be left to you. Yes, I promise you, you shall not see me till the time comes when you say:
‘Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!’
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