Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 12, 1-7

At that time:
So many people were crowding together 
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends,
do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear.
Be afraid of the one who after killing
has the power to cast into Gehenna;
yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.”

The crowd

1) Crowding together. Some people come together simply to wait—or to talk about what they’re waiting for. Some can’t wait for Friday night, others for Monday so they can run errands. Some spend all winter longing for summer, while others spend their childhood wishing they were grown-ups. But when you’re always waiting for tomorrow, you forget to live today. And sometimes people gather only to dwell on what they missed in the past.

2) Beware. The times of greatest growth and achievement in your life are often the hardest and most painful. If you truly want to grow, you have to become comfortable with discomfort—no one accomplishes anything remarkable by sitting on the couch. Be mindful of those who may envy you, and don’t go out of your way to provoke envy either. Prudence and humility are essential to protecting yourself.

3) Don’t be afraid. Sometimes we assume that making the right decision guarantees a good outcome, but even wise choices can lead to difficult results. You don’t have to spend all your energy proving to everyone that you deserve to be happy. Instead, trust that true happiness comes from living according to God’s will for your life.

Remember that something good is on the way! 

God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.