GOSPEL: Matthew 10:26-33
At that time: Jesus instructed his Apostles:
‘Have no fear of them,
for nothing is covered that will not be revealed,
or hidden that will not be known.
What I tell you in the dark, say in the light,
and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
And do not fear those who fill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men,
I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,
but whoever denies me before men,
I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.’
PROMPTS FOR FAITH-SHARING
Have you experienced suffering because of your faith in Jesus? What was it like?
How does your suffering compare to that of the early church?
Where in your life do you need an increase in courage?