Thoughts for the Day

‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

‘Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

How often has someone said “Don’t worry, they’ll turn up!” when you lost your bank card or your car keys, and you find yourself going through the “Where did I last see them?” or “Where did I last have them?” scenario. Frantically searching everywhere because you will be late for a very important appointment that you dare not miss, the cheerful “Don’t worry” feels totally unhelpful and more than a little irritating since the other person isn’t being any help in the search.

Chapter 12 of Luke’s Gospel constantly keeps repeating the words “worry” or “fear”. Indeed in verse 22 he says "Do not worry about your life". It is obvious that the disciples are afraid, and their situation is much more serious than many that we face. They are on their way to Jerusalem, and their future is very uncertain. They have a very good reason to be scared, as were those who first read this Gospel many years later when Christians were still being persecuted. Their very lives were in danger, and a dreadful death could await them.

Today, Jesus asks us, what do we fear? Is it an uncertain future; or about having enough food; or a problem at work; or about facing a difficult personal situation; or about finding somewhere to live; or even standing up for our faith? If so, stop for a moment! Jesus says in today's reading that God is our Father and that it is His “good pleasure to give us the Kingdom”. He had taught the disciples earlier that even the hairs of their head were all counted (Luke 12.6-7).

Our task when faced with fear and worry, just as it was for the disciples, is to take a deep breath, then turn to God. In the face of a crisis, small or great, we need to learn to be brave and remember our Lord’s words that God only wants the best for His children.

Father-God,
when we hit a time of crisis,
and our faith wobbles,
give us the strength to remember
that You love us
and only want the best for us.
May we learn to have confidence in You
and in Your plans for us.
Give us the strength to act with Your help,
and to stop worrying.
Amen.