Many people were crowding together

Jesus’ heart goes out to the thousands who follow Him and His disciples. They are starting to hurt themselves as they trample upon one another. Jesus sees in this sea of people the great future that lies before His disciples. Multitudes will hound them; thus, the disciples ought to prepare themselves by becoming servant leaders of a different mold.

Jesus warns His disciples to avoid the leaven of the Pharisees. Here, Jesus refers to the folly of hypocrisy that has crept among the Pharisees. They have turned into masters of masquerade, intent on projecting a good public image while possessing an evil disposition.

Jesus assures His disciples that God will disclose every secret whispered in private. God will bring to light everything hidden in darkness. While the Pharisees conceal the truth, God is always transparent and will reveal all things. Thus, the disciples are instructed to obey the truth as revealed by Jesus.

The disciples will remember Jesus’ admonition in the face of future persecutions. They will be steadfast in faith since Jesus has assured them of divine protection.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are Mine” (Is 43:1).

Gospel • LUKE 12:1-7

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.”

SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2020,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.