The God of Sparrows

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? 

Yet not one of them will fall to the ground 

unperceived by your Father. 

And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 

So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

(from Mt.10:24-39)

Fear is a powerful emotion.

Trust me, I know first-hand.

I took a youth group to the observation site on Place' Ville Marie with its awesome view of Montreal. 

The elevator doors opened revealing the observation site as glass from ceiling to floor. 

The youth ran right to its edge and looked out upon this incredible scene.

Terrified, I leaned against the wall as far from the edge as possible.

Now imagine Jesus gathering the disciples around and describing their mission.

Their mission? Proclaim: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons'

The disciples, eager to continue Jesus' mission, realize it is dangerous and may cost their lives.

Jesus understands fear as reason for the disciple's failure upon leaving the safety of their homes and families.

Following Jesus and  proclaiming the coming of God’s reign, may cause them to finally succumb to fears' power and want to quit. 

Jesus tells them three different times, "Do not be afraid".

The God of sparrows, Jesus says, God cares for them virtually like two sparrows worth a penny of which you have more value.

The God of sparrows knows your fears and is with you.

Fear is a universal and powerful force motivating our society and our own lives so we are taught to fear the larger world as well those who are closest to us.

So then, where their hope in the face of fear?

Jesus naming out loud the suffering and its causes freed them from the stubborn grip of fear.

As it was with them, so it is with us.

Naming our fears aloud to the God of sparrows frees us from their control.

God knows our life's ups and downs' caring more for us than the sparrows.

Think about it: how can fear be an agent for growth?