Warnings and Readiness

Jesus pulled His followers close. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees. They put on a good face, but it is all pretend. Do not be like them." His voice dropped low. "Nothing hidden will stay hidden. Everything done in the dark will be dragged into the light."

The crowd grew thicker. Shoulders pressed together. Jesus raised His voice above the noise. "Do not be afraid of people who can only kill the body. After that, there is nothing more they can do. Fear the One who holds power over life and death — fear God."

A small bird darted across the sky. Jesus pointed up at it. "God sees every one of those tiny birds. Not a single one is forgotten." He looked back at the crowd. "You are worth so much more than many birds. Even the hairs on your head — every one of them — God has counted."

Lk 12:1