Friday 28th week in ordinary time
"Lk 12:1-7"
Jesus began to say to his disciples, "Do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."
We are used to hearing Jesus say "Do not fear", but this is the first (and last) time in which we hear Him say "fear": fear the enemy who can cast us into hell. "Yes, I tell you, fear him!" Jesus said. And if Jesus had left the explanation there it would have sounded a bit scary. But then He went on: God does not forget sparrows, so "Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." That's better! 'Fear not' sounds more like Jesus.
The enemy has power. That's a fact. So we shouldn't be imprudent or too self-confident with him. He is like a tram: we aren't scared of trams but we are prudent and never step on its tracks when the tram is close. We are also careful with the devil. Jesus, though, has comforted us with His Words: "fear not" because God loves us more than the rest of creation.
In actual fact, it is the enemy who lives in fear. Have you ever seen one of those dogs that start barking at you loudly from a distance and, when you get close to it, the frightened dog runs away? This 'powerful angel' trembles in fear when the Holy Name of Jesus is pronounced. Like insects when we use mosquito repellent, the devil runs away when we invoke Our Lady, St Joseph, St Michael or our Guardian Angel, or we kiss our crucifix, hold the Rosary or use holy water. If we are prudent and stay close to Our Lord, the enemy can tempt us - but we have nothing to fear.
The enemy got his victory with Adam and Eve in paradise. But, ever since Jesus died on the Cross, he has been running away in fear. You, Virgin most Powerful, have crushed the head of the serpent who appears often represented with the apple stuffed in his mouth. Your children fear nothing if they are close to you, Mother.