Sunday, June 21st – 12th Sunday of ordinary time
Scripture passages: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 69; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33
The Lord is the Strength of His people, a saving refuge for the one he has anointed. Save your people, Lord, and bless your heritage, and govern them forever.
Reflection by Jeff Koch
There is a passage in our Gospel reading that has often been interpreted in different ways. In Matthew, Jesus says, “. . . nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.” Now for many of us, we have heard that this way, “you had better live your life right, because those things you do in secret, those things you want to conceal, will one day be made known and everyone will know what you have done.” We think one day those things we have done in secret will be shown on a big movie screen for all to see. And let me tell you, that will not be good. OR . . . can it be seen another way. Jesus is talking to the disciples and he said, “fear not;” maybe the things that will be revealed to you are the good things that he has provided for us and blessed us with, things that He wants us to know, and then live in that reality. Rather than seeing this as a great exposer for our sin, maybe it is more about the reality we need to know. Things like forgiveness of my sin, his presence with me during tough times, the wisdom he gives us in our lives. Not the exposure of sin, but an endowment of grace. I would fear that first way of seeing that verse, but I would love to know all that Jesus would say to me in my ‘dark’ times so that I can live in the light of his blessing and grace. It could mean that nothing will be concealed from you if you are going through a dark time, all He has blessed us with is available to us. How you feel about yourself will determine how you read this and how you read this will determine how you feel about yourself.
I will say, if we live in the reality of our sin and the fear of having that exposed in such a public way, we will not be able to live an abundant, joy filled life of peace and comfort knowing that God is with me. But if I can live in the second way of seeing that verse, those things that Jesus has whispered to me in the darkness of my fear and worry and depression and confusion; I can live in a way that others will ask and then I can proclaim those whispers from the housetops. Jesus wants to tell us that good things, He says, “So, do not be afraid; for you are worth more than many sparrows.”
In fact, many of our scriptures share several truths that I may need to hear I my dark night, in the darkest times in my life, in those times when as Jeremiah says, when “I hear the whisperings of many; terror on every side: Denounce! Let us denounce him: all those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him… NO! I need to know at those times, the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion my persecutors will stumble, they will NOT triumph . . . sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!” In the midst of difficulty and trouble, I need to hear that he is with me and will give me the victory. Question: Which whispers are you going to listen to the accuser or the advocate?
We can listen to the words of the Psalm: I pray to you, O Lord, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help. Answer me, O Lord for bounteous is your kindness in your great mercy turn toward me. See, you lowly ones, and be glad you who seek God, may your hearts revive! For the Lord hears the poor, and this own who are in bonds he spurns not. Let the heavens and the earth praise him, let the heavens and the earth praise him, the seas and whatever moves in them! Let us hear those whispers as He says to us in our darkness and “speak in the light” on the housetops . . . “For He is good! And His mercy endures forever.”
Oh, and on that sin we are fearful of being put in this movie for the world to see? Paul says, “the gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one-man Jesus Christ overflow to the many.” Yes, deal with sin, confess when the Spirit points it out and ask forgiveness and live in the wonderful word he whispers to you. Forgiven!
So now hear these words in the context of the second interpretation: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Just something to think about!
Grant, O Lord, that we may always revere and love your holy name, for you never deprive of your guidance those you set firm on the foundation of your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. AMEN!