Trust in God counts better than worldly connections

Trust in God counts better than worldly connections

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Hos. 14:2-10, Mt. 10:16-23. Today's first reading recounts the true love of God for His people despite their repeated infidelity. God continues to call them to return to Him, to repent from their sins, turning away from their wickedness and embrace righteousness. The Lord wants them to throw away the shackles of sins and put their trust once again in Him instead of the idols and other worldly powers that they had entrusted themselves to, as many of the people turned instead to Baal, Ashtaroth and other pagan gods for direction and guidance, instead of turning to God they trusted more in politics and worldly connections rather than to trust in God.

Today's Gospel speaks of this same reassurance, as Jesus encourages and strengthens His disciples in saying that they should not fear or worry about themselves, should they encounter trials and challenges during their ministry and faithful commitment to His cause. He says these to strengthen and prepare them for what they were to experience such as division, persecution, confrontation and discord. The Lord calls us on the shore of the lake in a bright environment, but He also immediately calls us to go with Him to Jerusalem, a twilight of darkness and Cross, where we shall endure prison, torture and suffering and even death. We would endure trials and persecution, rejection and opposition. The Lord reassures us that He would be with us, standing by us even through the most difficult moments. We will never be alone, or face oppressors and challengers by our own strength. If we trust in the Lord, He will be our strength and consolation, our guide and protector and His Spirit would be with us, giving us wisdom and courage, brilliance and perseverance.

May the Lord give us the insight to see the hand of God at work in all things and be ready to do His will! Amen!! Keep safe and have a pleasant day!!!

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