God never had. He never has. He never will.

Sisters and brothers in Christ, in today's Gospel, Jesus reveals to us the depth of his love for us. For although we conceal things in darkness (or try to at least), our Father, who sees our thoughts and probes our hearts, loves each of us as the apple of His eye. However, our Lord is also a just judge and, like any loving parent, will hold us accountable for our words and our actions, particularly when it comes to our believing in God, living our faith daily, and carrying out our mission to share the Good News with others.

Saint Paul tells us this in his letter to the Ephesians. He writes that, in love, God reveals his Word and word to us. In love, we are called respond to God's revelation to us with faith - hear the word of truth, the Gospel of our salvation, and believe in Him. When we do this, we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the first part of our inheritance of the kingdom of God, toward redemption as God's possession.

God reveals Himself to us each and every day of our lives. He gives us freewill to respond to Him in faith. To use a sports metaphor: "The ball is in our court." Jesus tells us - "Do not be afraid" - because He wants us to know that while people and the things of the world might hurt us, God will never hurt us. God never had. He never has. He never will.

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Gospel of the Day

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.”