12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jer 20:10-13
Rm 5:12-15
Mt 10:26-33
“…fear him rather who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Danger. Fear. Enemies. Trust. Strength. Surrender.
These six words flood my mind as I ponder today’s readings. Jeremiah was on a fruitless mission to change the hearts of the Jews. They resented his message and even plotted to kill him. Terror surrounded him, yet Jeremiah stood firm. He trusted in God. He knew he couldn’t do everything, but he could do something in this mission.
Likewise in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus warns his disciples they will face physical dangers when they preach to the Jews. Many will reject the message to repent and change their sinful ways. Yet like Jeremiah, they must remain strong and trust in God. Jesus even said physical death is nothing compared to the death of one’s soul.
It seems that to follow Jesus and to have eternal life is easy. Expect physical threats, enemies and even death! But fear not as our living soul is all that matters. This makes sense as we all have to face death eventually. The end is the same for all. Our lives are indeed fragile.
I am reminded of this reality due to a very recent episode in May. My wife went with a group of 13 friends to walk the Camino de Santiago over 10 days in Portugal and Spain. As an insurance agent, I stressed the importance of buying travel insurance. Fortunately, most did. After a long flight to Zurich (on transit) my wife’s friend had a serious stroke in the airplane and collapsed. Swiss efficiency and world class medical treatment ensured she survived, but with serious health issues. She is still in a Zurich hospital awaiting medical evacuation to Singapore. Her future well-being and recovery is uncertain.
For the family, they are relieved that the huge financial costs will be mitigated with this simple insurance. The cost of the premium is indeed a small price to pay. One less thing to worry about!
Brothers and sisters, faith in Jesus is better than any insurance. The latter works when an unforeseen catastrophic event occurs and only mitigates your financial risks. Jesus is with us constantly throughout our lives; He guides and walks with us in good and difficult times. By his sacrifice and love, he protects our soul from eternal death. All you need to ‘pay’ is to acknowledge Jesus before all others. Do not be afraid to spread the message of eternal life.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Lord, help me to proclaim to everyone that you have the message of eternal life.
Thanksgiving: Sin and death came to all men through Adam. Thanks be to Jesus. His grace and gift saved us from eternal death.
OXYGEN 
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