Do Not Be Afraid of Those Who Kill the Body

Do Not Be Afraid of Those WhoKill the Body

October 19, 2012

Memorial of St. John de Brebeuf and St. Isaac Jogues, priests and martyrs, and their companions, martyrs

By Melanie Rigney

In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. (Ephesians 1:11-12)

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. (Psalms 33:12)

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. (Luke 12:4-5)

Piety

Hold my hand, Lord, as I navigate this life and interact with those who are perfectly happy to let my physical life alone… but who wish to lead me away from You.

Study

I wonder if Christ thought of those words from today’s Gospel while he was on that Cross, during the agony of that day. Maybe that’s why he said so little, because as much as he was being abused physically, it was nothing like the pain he would have experienced had he instead chosen separation from the Father.

We all choose that separation from time to time by opting for behavior that violates those two greatest commandments, loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Fortunately, we have our community—family, friends, group reunion, Ultreya, parish—to nudge us when we make those wrong decisions; the relief of the Sacrament of Reconciliation to help us come clean; and the awesome joy and mystical experience of the Holy Eucharist. No matter how much the separation may be tempting and alluring, the reunion is always so much better—and helps us to better resist those killing calls the next time.

Action

The Arlington Diocese is offering a wonderful array of events during the Year of Faith that began last year. Bookmark or favorite http://yearoffaith.arlingtondiocese.org/events. Build up your spiritual strength.