Saints Sergius and Bacchus Chapel
Palm Springs, California
What keeps us from opening our hearts to others? Fear — fear of not living up to expectations. But baptism has already put that old, anxious self to death. The freedom we live in now bears two fruits: discernment and hospitality. Even a cup of cold water, attentively given, carries immense value.
“Fear no one,” Jesus tells the Twelve. Not a promise of immunity from harm or pain — but the assurance that we’re never truly alone. The Father is involved in every sparrow’s fall, and the same Word who suffered on the cross is one with our suffering still.
“Responsibility” — responsibility begins with the inability to turn a blind eye to others’ pain and sorrow. A Christian is not compassionate because they feel like they’re supposed to be, but because, like Jesus, they cannot do otherwise.
“I love you so much, I could just eat you all up.” If you’ve ever had that experience, then today’s feast of the Body and Blood of Christ should make perfect sense to you.