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From the very beginning it
was difficult to get the word out. Jesus knew where his preaching and
his miracles were leading him and he promised the same end for his
disciples. Remember, Jesus was a realist! He prepared his disciples for
what to expect on their missionary journey. That is why Jesus told them
to proclaim his message from the rooftops, to shout it in the square! Do
not be intimidated! Do not fear him who can deprive the body of life...
fear him who can destroy both body and soul.
Even after Jesus’ resurrection the apostolic community was too terrified
to proclaim the good news. It was not until the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit at the Pentecost that the gospel was at last proclaimed with
power. Even then, the apostles restricted their preaching and praying to
the Jerusalem community. It took Paul and the destruction of Jerusalem
to finally get the word out to the “ends of the earth.”
No one wants to end up sounding like Jeremiah, isolated and full of
terror. Why would anyone take the risk? Jeremiah says he has a mighty
champion with him, the Lord of hosts. It is the Lord who tests the just,
who probes minds and hearts, who rescues the life of the poor from the
power of the wicked. This is the Lord who has the power to destroy both
body and soul, who saves us from the reign of death by the gracious gift
of Jesus Christ. It is the Lord who expects us to acknowledge Jesus
before men so that Jesus will acknowledge us before him. Do not be
afraid, Jesus tells us, you are worth more than a flock of sparrows and
every hair of your head has been counted. The Father cares for us in
just these terms.
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