In this week’s gospel, Jesus explains the importance of looking past what men think and toward what the Lord says. So many of us struggle with our image and how the world perceives us. That struggle can get in the way of how we live out our faith. The truth is, we need to worry much less about what our peers say. Instead, let’s focus on building our relationship with the Lord.
How has your need to look good gotten in the way of how you follow the Lord? Have you stayed away from the religious conversations at work? Have you been fearful to boldly proclaim that you are a follower of Christ? This gospel calls us to tell the world what we hear in the darkness. What is covered will be uncovered.
I believe that Jesus speaks to each one of us in our own special way. He is always tugging on our heartstrings. Do you listen? Do you give the Lord the attention He deserves? Jesus says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell.” As followers of Christ, we will be tested. The true test isn’t what happens to us—it’s how we respond. Do you turn to your faith and allow God to work in your life, or do you shrink at the first sign of trouble? Do you recognize that if you keep God first in your life, everything else becomes trivial?
I have had so many moments in my life when I thought that things were falling apart. I’d lose my way. I’d begin to worry about what my friends or family were going to say, or how they might react. It takes time, but I always find my way back to where I need to be—in relationship with the Lord, trusting and knowing that He will help me through whatever the challenge is.
This reading is a call to trust in the Lord with all of our heart. Who else are we to trust? Who else has the hairs on our head numbered? We are called to let go and let God. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means giving our hearts to the Lord and declaring ourselves for Him. That is when He will declare Himself for us. How will you respond to your next test? Will you hide behind the opinions of men, or boldly proclaim that Jesus is your Savior?
