10/17/2025 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 12:1-7

1 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.
2 “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.
3 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.
4 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.
5 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.
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.

10/17/2025 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 12:1-7

In this Gospel passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples while surrounded by a large crowd. He warns them to beware of the “yeast of the Pharisees,” which is hypocrisy. He reminds them that nothing hidden will remain secret, and that everything whispered in darkness will one day be brought to light. Then He turns their attention from fear of people to reverence for God, assuring them that their value in His sight is beyond measure and even the hairs on their heads are numbered. Through these words, Jesus teaches us three profound truths: to live sincerely, to fear God above all, and to rest in His loving care.

First, Jesus calls us to live authentically. Hypocrisy, like yeast, spreads silently but changes everything it touches. When people live with masks, like pretending to be righteous, humble, or spiritual while harboring selfish motives, their hearts drift far from truth. Today, we see this same temptation everywhere: in social media where people project perfect lives, in workplaces where image matters more than integrity, and even in churches where appearances sometimes overshadow faith. Jesus reminds us that God sees beyond the surface. What we hide in our hearts will one day be revealed. This is not a threat but a call to freedom, to live honestly before God and others. When we walk in truth, we no longer fear exposure because our lives are anchored in sincerity. True discipleship is not about performing holiness but being transformed by God’s truth from within.

Second, Jesus teaches us to fear God, not people. Some people live trapped by the opinions of others, seeking approval, fearing rejection, or staying silent about their faith. But human approval is temporary, while God’s authority is eternal. Jesus said, “Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot harm the soul.” These words challenge us to live courageously. We are not to compromise our values for acceptance or convenience. In a world where right and wrong are often blurred, we must choose to stand firm on God’s truth even when it is unpopular. Respecting God above all means aligning our lives with His will, not the world’s trends. This kind of holy reverence leads to inner freedom, the kind that allows us to live boldly, love deeply, and speak truthfully without fear of judgment.

Finally, Jesus reassures us of God’s tender care. After warning about hypocrisy and fear, He paints a beautiful picture of God’s attention to detail: not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father knowing. If God watches over the smallest bird, how much more does He watch over us? Jesus reminds His listeners that every hair on their head is counted, emphasizing how intimately God knows each of us. This truth is meant to comfort our anxious hearts. Life’s challenges such as illness, loss, uncertainty can make us feel forgotten, but Jesus assures us that we are never beyond God’s gaze. Our worth is not based on what we achieve but on who we are in His eyes — beloved and valued.

When we combine these three truths, authentic living, holy reverence, and trust in God’s care, we discover the essence of a blessed life. We are free from the pressure to pretend, anchored in courage rather than fear, and confident in the Father’s love. As we live transparently and faithfully before God, we become lights in a world dimmed by pretense and fear.

So today, let this message sink deep into your heart: God calls you to live in truth, to walk without fear, and to rest in His care. You are known completely, loved unconditionally, and valued beyond measure. In every season, may you find peace in the truth that your life is fully seen, safely held, and wonderfully loved by the God who knows every hair on your head.

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