Matthew 10:24-39 Jesus said to the twelve disciples, "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
"So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill 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? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
"Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
"For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one's foes will be members of one's own household.
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one's foes will be members of one's own household.
"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
Reflection
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age to same;
his holy Name--the Lord, the Mighty One.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children's children and for evermore!**
This great hymn says it all. If only I would be as forthright in my speech when I leave church on Sunday! That is what Jesus is instructing the disciples and us to do, “Have no fear… What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.” We are to “tell out” our souls, to make known the wisdom and truth revealed to us. In the words of Ken Wilber, “shine your headlights into the eyes of the complacent.” ***
Jesus knows this will not be easy. Speaking deep truth of the soul stirs the pot, unsettles the peace, even puts us cross-ways with family members. When we speak truth, though we may still experience fear, it is no longer fear that is driving the ship. Fear becomes a mere emotion in the great vessel of freedom.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Like Jesus, Nelson Mandela calls us to action, to stand on rooftops or whisper in strategic places and demand the dignity and care of all of humanity. Now, let us find ways to dignify the migrant women and children left at bus stops in Tucson and Phoenix without resource to care for themselves.
Supplies may be dropped off Catholic Community Services, 140 W. Speedway, Tucson, AZ, north entrance, on Monday-Friday, from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Please do not drop anything off at Casa Mariposa or the Greyhound Station because they do not have the space.
instant ramen soup (cup of noodles)
bottled of water and Gatorade
bananas (good potassium)
flavored Pedialyte for dehydration
sweaters or hooded sweatshirts for children and adults
socks for children
children’s blankets
diapers (size 3 and 4)
sanitary supplies (sanitary napkins especially needed)
toothbrushes and toothpaste
clean stuffed animals
Beth Lowry, of Casa Mariposa, has asked those wishing to volunteer to attend a Volunteer Orientation/Training on Saturday, June 21st, from 11 am – 1:30 pm at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church located at 1300 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson, AZ.
** Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith inspired by The Song of Mary (Magnificat) (Luke 1:46-56);
Words © 1962, Renewed. 1990 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
*** Ken Wilbur, One Taste: Daily Reflections on Integral Spirituality, p35
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