Chi Mi Rinnega Anch'io Rinneghero' - Matteo 10:16-33 #19
·8 min
The episode is a daily devotional reading from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically chapter 10 verses 16-33. Host Aure Peppo Biscarini begins by reading the scripture passage in Italian. Jesus instructs his disciples that he is sending them out like sheep among wolves, advising them to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. He predicts they will be arrested, flogged in synagogues, and brought before governors and kings because of him. Jesus warns that brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, with children rebelling against parents to have them put to death. He states that all will hate them because of his name, but whoever stands firm to the end will be saved. Jesus advises them to flee persecution from one town to the next. He assures them not to worry about what to say when arrested, for the Spirit of the Father will speak through them. Jesus emphasizes that a student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. He tells them not to be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, but rather to fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Jesus notes that not even a sparrow falls to the ground outside the Father's care, and that his followers are worth more than many sparrows. He concludes that whoever acknowledges him before others, he will acknowledge before his Father in heaven, but whoever disowns him before others, he will disown before his Father in heaven. The host then provides commentary on the passage. He explains that Jesus is preparing his disciples for a hard road where they will be targets of dark forces. The persecution will come from three sources: the state, the church (synagogues), and families. The host references the Book of Acts as a historical record of such persecution. He shares a personal anecdote about a conversation with a Muslim father who said he would kill his son if he converted to Christianity, illustrating the severe family divisions that can occur. The host notes that when truth confronts darkness, darkness reacts with hatred. He advises that bravery is not about seeking martyrdom; Jesus told his disciples to move to other towns to continue evangelizing, as seen in Paul's example of taking the gospel to Rome. The host highlights that Jesus says 'do not be afraid' three times in this passage, addressing fear of what to say, fear of what others will do, and fear of what will happen. He clarifies that Jesus never promised a protective bubble around believers; in fact, he promised tribulations in this world. The reason not to fear is that Jesus is with them. Fear paralyzes and prevents doing God's will. The host cites Paul's attitude: 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.' When Jesus tells them to fear the one who can destroy both soul and body, he is describing what the Old Testament calls the 'fear of the Lord.' This is not terror or panic, but a healthy fear, akin to a soldier handling a weapon or a cook handling a stove fire. It involves deep respect for God's immense power. However, people are more inclined to fear earthly punishments like prison than eternal separation from God. The host reflects that Jesus sends his followers to do supernatural things and still calls them today, whatever the cost. He asks listeners if they are enlisted in his army or just spectators. The episode ends with a prayer for those who have suffered family breaks because of their faith, especially those who have left Islam to follow Christ, asking God to make his presence felt strongly beside them and for them to be an example to others with easier lives. The host closes by wishing listeners a full day tomorrow.
