Necessary instructions Mt.10: 24-33
Jesus still addresses his teaching to the apostles, that is, to those closest to him who continue his work. In his speech, although it keeps the same tone as before, one can feel less emotional tension. The motive of persecution is no longer as accentuated as it has been so far, although it is still present. This passage covers several topics that are important to the development and existence of the kingdom of heaven on earth. It is rather certain that these themes, taken up by Jesus in various places and circumstances, were collected and tied together by the evangelist, which is confirmed by the juxtaposition of this fragment of the Gospel of Matthew with the other synoptic gospels.
The pericope begins with a maxim of a philosophical nature. The first encounter with such a statement may raise the objection of the illogicality of Jesus' statement: he is against development, he is an enemy of progress. Progress in science, technology and culture is possible thanks to the fact that students are one step ahead of their teachers, and the development of civilization is guaranteed by the fact that the next generation goes further and sees more than its ancestors. However, it should be taken into account that in many cases Jesus communicated to his disciples the mysteries of the kingdom of God on a different, higher level than the worldly and temporal one. He uses the symbolic language of revelation to indicate the material and spiritual meaning of his words. The Gospel of John shows it best, but also in the synoptics we find a similar attitude in his teaching. It is not about minimalism, but about the relationship: disciple - Lord, apostle - Jesus. It is a call to be faithful to this path that Jesus chose, without looking for his own, supposedly better, ways of saving the world, which - paradoxically - is indicated by the example of Beelzebub as the host of the house, but this is also how Jesus calls for radicalism, for the perfection of life: be like that, try to be like the Lord.
In the following reading, we meet Jesus' threefold exhortation: Do not be afraid! The first and second invocation give rise to separate themes, and the third summarizes and confirms the importance of this teaching. The first mentioned statement concerns the disclosure of hidden and secret matters. It may seem that it is about revealing the secret, pejorative sides of human behavior, amorality before God at the final judgment. Then Jesus' words become negative and fill us with fear. Jesus' statement, however, should be understood in a positive and hopeful sense. This is evidenced by the context of both this statement and the entire speech of Mt 10. The preaching of the Gospel, which is still - at that time - in germ, will be heard by the whole world, the Good News will be preached to all people. Back then, in Jesus' day and in the early days of the Church, evangelism was clearly local in scope, but it will gain dynamism, momentum, and greater impact over time. Can Jesus' words be understood today in reference to the high tech used in preaching the Gospel: e.g., satellite dishes on roofs? Certainly, so but knowing that this was not the only thing Jesus had in mind at the time. By saying the first do not be afraid, Jesus refers to the development of the work that he himself gives rise to and which he entrusts into the hands of his closest co-workers.
The next “do not be afraid” it refers to a theme that has already resounded quite clearly in Jesus' present speech. It is about the persecution of Gospel preachers. Once again, Jesus moves from the earthly, natural, to spiritual, supernatural understanding. Just as the world itself is transient, the experience of evil, injustice and suffering that comes from it is not eternal, but temporary and, in fact, short-lived. Jesus' friends face the prospect of eternity. They have been invited to this space, included in it, and through their close relationship with the Son of God, they already participate in it. If they can understand this, they do not need to be afraid of anything. Together with their Lord, they have overcome the world (cf. Jn. 16:33). Nothing happens without God's will. Heavenly Father loves his children so much, so cares about their lives that every step, every thought, desire they take is well known to him, he constantly watches over them. How much more is this especially true of the friends of his Son. God's care, knowledge and omnipotence is expressed by the image of the hair on the head, in the human concept of uncountable, which additionally confirms the third use of the formula do not be afraid.
The pericope ends with a statement on fidelity, which is a reference to the above-mentioned content. Jesus will be an intercessor before the Father and will introduce to God everyone who has been faithful to Him and His work. If we are talking about the work of Jesus, we can understand it in the context of the Gospel of Matthew as the Church. Jesus puts the matter very specifically, which makes His statement seem harsh, unmerciful. In fact, its specificity expresses respect for human freedom. Jesus' words concern the most serious matters, man's choice, his life decision. He can follow the invitation to live with God, but he can also go in the opposite direction. God does not take away a person's freedom. The consequences of human choices are inevitable. And although their effects may be dramatic, they are irremovably inscribed in the law of freedom and express this freedom, what is more, they ensure and guarantee it. Jesus' words in the context of the greatness of God's mercy help to realize the end of the lives of those who have connected their lives with Him. At the same time, they help to avoid the tragedy of knowingly saying to God: no.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? (Ps 27:1).
Until Tomorrow
fr. george