Secret Identities

Readings for Friday October 15, 2010

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church

First Reading: Ephesians 1:11-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Gospel: Luke 12:1-7

“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.” (Lk. 12:2-7)

Clark Kent, Peter Parker, Bruce Wayne somewhat ordinary names ... but in actuality these were the secret identities of a few of my favorite superheroes as a kid. In case you are wondering who is who: Clark Kent is Superman, Peter Parker is Spider-Man, and Bruce Wayne is Batman. For these superheroes secret identities seem like a very trusty thing, hide one's identity so that way the bad guys cannot hurt those that they are close to. While secret identities may seem like a good thing for a superhero, it is not however the way of a Christian.

Do you know how many hairs are on your head? Well, our heavenly Father knows, He knows everything about you and me. He even knows us better than we know ourselves. Jesus warns us in today's gospel about secret identities. Jesus tells His disciples: "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." (Lk 12:3) We cannot be two different people, and do one thing out in public while doing a different thing behind closed doors. Some people get very confused about who they really are, this is especially a difficult thing for teenagers to deal with. Around one set of friends they may act one way, but around another set of friends they may act totally different. Sometimes we hide our faith for fear of people finding out, and risking ridicule and tough confrontations. But as Jesus continues today; "... 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 in Gehenna (hell) ..." (Lk 12:4-5)

While it will be tough, we should always strive to be the same person no matter who we are with and where we are at. Let us make no mistakes about who we really are ... we are children of God, that is who we are here for and that is who we serve. God has been the same to us since the beginning, loving and merciful. Let us go out and continue to serve God with courage and without fear, for it is not other people that we should fear, but the consequences of not reaching God in heaven that we should fear.

Remember, secret identities may work out great for Superman, but not for us as Christians.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and give you all the glory for our lives. Help us to serve you without reservation and with complete trust. Lord let your light shine through us no matter where we go and what we do. Help us to go where needed and help those who you call us to. Lord we pray for all those searching for meaning in their lives, may they be lead to you for peace and joy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.