During a recent homily on fear, our priest said that fear is like a shadow that follows us. Depending on where we stand in relation to the light, it may appear before us or behind us. The fear he spoke about is not something we should deny or run away from, but an emotion we need to acknowledge and bring into the light. When we bring our fears into His light, they can no longer control us. Many of us live with fear. We fear people’s opinions, rejection, criticism and judgment. Yet in today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to a different kind of fear – the fear of God that sets us free from all other fears. Jesus assures us of God’s intimate knowledge and loving care. He points to the sparrows: not one of them is forgotten by God. If God cares even for the smallest of His creatures, how much more does He care for us! We are precious in His eyes. Let us therefore bring our fears into His light knowing that we are loved and never forgotten by God. May we find the courage to overcome our fears.

PRAYER: Abba Father, deepen our faith to live out your teachings in our daily lives. Amen.