*14th of October 2022*

*Friday in the 28th week of Ordinary Time, Year 11*

_Eph. 1:11-14_

_Lk. 12:1-7_

*Nothing about us escapes the notice of God*

The liturgy of today reminds us that we have a God who cares not just for us human beings, but who also cares so much about the details of all his creation. This was expressed in the words of Jesus today when he said "Five sparrows may be bought for two pence; each one is of little monetary value. Yet, not even one sparrow is forgotten in the sight of God." If God cares so much about these that don't cost much, what about us?

In the *first reading*, Paul expresses how valuable we are in God's sight and how He has claimed us for himself. He said, "It is in Christ that we were claimed as God's own."

In *the gospel*, Jesus concludes with these words, "Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.

Beloved, God is called Omniscient, which means that He is all knowing and nothing escapes His notice. If He could be attentive to the Sparrows and knows about them, don't you think that He knows more about you, that He is even more attentive to you?

•There is the tendency to doubt God's closeness to us. This comes because sometimes, things happen in our lives which we feel God isn't aware. But you know what? He is more attentive to you than you are you yourself.

•God's care for His creation is also a mandate for us to care for the creation entrusted to our care. It was Pope Francis who in his encyclical *"Laudato Si*", reminded us the importance of caring for God's creation. Let us maintain the natural things around us. Remember, to harm nature is to harm ourselves.

•Finally, today Jesus gives us a word of encouragement. He assures and reassures us with these words, "Do not be afraid."

*God's grace upon us*

(Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe)