“Do not be afraid, do not fear, do not be intimidated.” These are the three principles of a good educator:
do not be afraid, do not instill fear, and free others from fear. Jesus’ deeply human approach to education: what matters is a new relationship, one in which there is no room for fear.
And yet I am afraid, because sparrows keep falling to the ground, thousands of children are being abducted, abused, drowned at sea, buried in the sand, sold for a pittance, thrown away in a dumpster as soon as they take their brief flight. “But not even a sparrow falls without God’s will.” So is it He who cuts short the sparrows’ flight? No.
The Gospel teaches us that not even a sparrow falls without God’s awareness and involvement. Our pain is shared with Him; He heals and strengthens us rather than causing our struggles. While we desire to soar safely without falling, we can find comfort in knowing that God is present in our trials.
Yes, sparrows and hair are not immune to death. Jesus teaches me to value every part of my body, which has experienced both beauty and struggle. “Fear the one who can destroy both soul and body.” Can the soul die? Yes.
“Slowly dies the one who does not travel, who does not read, who does not listen to music; slowly dies the one who finds no grace within themselves” (Martha Medeiros); do something beautiful, you’ll be surprised how God joins you.