Friday of the
Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ephesians 1:11-14; Luke 12:1-7)
It is said that a Christian during the early centuries of
persecution would walk up to a stranger and make a line on the ground with his
foot. If the person would draw a line
through the first to make a cross, the two would know that they could talk
freely. If the other did not respond,
then the conversation would not mention faith in Christ. The gospel today seems to reference such a
custom.
Jesus says that what has been whispered behind closed
doors will be proclaimed on housetops.
He apparently means his Lordship, which his disciples knew of but did
not understand well. After his
resurrection with the coming of the Holy Spirit, they will see clearly and
profess openly that in Jesus sins are forgiven and people experience eternal
life.
Today religion has once again been privatized. Social pressures intimidate people from
talking openly how God has affected their lives. Ironically, it is a message that others not only
need but often want to hear. When we
give testimony to our faith, we strengthen others’ resolve to live righteous
lives. That benefits society and leads
to personal salvation.
