The mystery of counting of the hairs of our head

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

14^th Week – Saturday

Gospel –Matthew 10: 24-33

 

The mystery of counting of the hairs of our head

1) Counting of  the hairs – A strange Concept

a) We have heard about the concept of counting. In fact we count many things. We count money, we count people, we count the buildings, we count the books, we count the value of the land and we count almost everything in life in our day to day life

b) But we hardly hear about counting of hairs. In our day today life, no one thinks about counting of the hairs, nor anybody is worried about it, or any one is paying attention to such a insignificant thing in life

c) At the outset it appears to be a funny concept and it appears that it is not at all a matter of concern and we need not worry about such a concept

d) Even then if Jesus speaks  about counting of the hairs of our head, there is something which is very important and very significant for our life. Let us explore about the same.

2)  Impossibility of counting the hairs of our head  

a)It is very clear that it is rather difficult to count the hairs of our head. But it is not impossible

b) At the practical level it is impossible and no one ventures to such an unrewarding work. Returns, from such work is nil. So hardly anyone bothers about it

c) For God, counting of hairs of our head is not an impossible thing. For God is it possible and when Jesus speaks about this, He means something and this has a very deep meaning

3) Counting of Hair is similar to God’s Promise to Abraham  

a) I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Gen 22:17

b) Now it is impossible for us to count the stars on the sky and the sand on the sea shore. But it is not impossible for God to have the calculation of these things. God knows exactly the number of the stars in the sky and the particles of sand on the sea shore

c) If God can count the number of Stars and the particles of Sand on the sea shore then it is counting of the hairs of our head is not a issue at all for God.

4) Hair is a Small and at times it is an insignificant thing for us, But not for God

a) Comparing to all other things in our body hair appears to be a small thing

b) It is insignificant in the sense that, a person can survive without having the hairs on the Head. It is not that necessary like, heart, liver or kidney or any other important part of the body

c) If such a small and insignificant thing becomes so important for Jesus means we need to pay attention to such a thing. The message is very clear

·         God pays attention even to a tiniest things of our life

·         Everything in our life is so important to God

·         In Life Small things are more important than great things

·         Every aspect of our life is very important for God

·         Every little aspect and every little person is so precious and so important to God.

·         Every little thing is counted in life.

·         Don’t take for granted anything in life

5) Importance of Small things in the Kingdom of God

a) Jesus makes a mention of Small things in many Places when he speaks about the Kingdom of God. Mustard seed, Yeast, Seed, Salt, Two little coins of the widow, lilies of the field, birds of the air. All these are small things but they are important in the Kingdom of God

b) In fact there are no great things in reality. Every so called great thing is the Collection or combination of small things. Example Building is collection of various things

c) Small things matters a lot than big things. We can stand on the mountain, but we cant stand on the tip of a riddle. It is impossible and very painful. Ignoring small things in life will be very painful and certain small things we can’t ignore in life.

d) So the hair on the head, a small thing gives a powerful message to our life.

6) Abundance of hair and the abundance of the Goodness of the Lord

a) Hair grows in abundance. There is plenty of hair on our head. This also gives a powerful message to our life

·         Abundance of Blessing of the Lord

·         Enormity of the Goodness of the Lord

·         Uncountable graces of God

·         Uncountable forgiveness, Mercy, Love, and Care and concern of the Lord    

7) Counting of the Hairs also means

·         Each minute of our life is very important

·         Every moment of our life  is unique and important

·         Every decision of our life is very important

·         Every activity of our life is counted

·         Every little good work of ours is counted for Holiness in the eyes of God – even a cup of Cold water

·         In one word everything that happens in our life is very important. So we need to pay attention for the same.

8) Impossibility of Counting of hairs by us also means

·         We cannot count the blessings of the Lord

·         We cannot count the graces of God

·         We cannot count that how many times God forgives us

·         We cannot count the sacrifice of God for our sake

·         We cannot count the Love of God for us

9) Hair gives beauty to the Person

·         More hair, more beauty. Likewise more good works more beauty to the person

·         We don’t like to lose our hair. Likewise don’t allow your good works to lose from your life

·         We take care of the hair by using various things. Take care of the Good and small things in life by using various God given talents and gifts

·         We Color our hair for better look. Color your life with various good things, talents and God given skills

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

 

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore