Masterpiece Sunday - You Are of More Value than the Sparrows

The Descent into Hell, Tintoretto, 1568. San Cassiano, Venice, Italy.

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” - Matthew 10:31

What is often missed in this verse is that sparrows are not just any bird. They are known for being quite aggressive - stealing nests, destroying eggs, killing other birds of all ages. They do not take over what is unoccupied and unused, they actively disturb and evict other birds. They are highly competitive and break down the natural order of things. When we know this it is easy to question why Jesus says we are worth more than many of these birds. Why not a more peaceful or beautiful bird like a dove or hummingbird? 

It is a reminder that God takes care of all of his creation, no matter what they do. God takes care of all the sparrows needs and allows them to live and flourish, even if they can be seen as bad birds. This is a breath of relief for me. So often my own wrongdoings or mistakes, whether I meant them or not, can seem like a huge mountain. I so easily create a case against myself of why I do not deserve God’s love or care. But it is in these moments and feelings that God reminds me that I am worth more than many sparrows. I am worth more than the creation and universe that God made and fulfills the need of every single day. 

Our worth is not measured in what we do well or even what we do wrong. It is our inherent dignity that God preserves and why He continues to shower us with the graces and love that we receive. He delights in our very being and loves us unconditionally because we are who He made us to be. 

I love depictions of Jesus descending into hell to get Adam and Eve. We can take from this that when Jesus died, He descended and brought up all those who needed to be with Him in heaven. We are reminded in the second reading today that death reigned from the time of Adam until Moses, but not anymore. The law brought some life back to the people, but how much more now that Jesus came and died for us? Jesus has brought the fullness of the promise and the fullness of life back to humankind. With this life is forgiveness of sins. 

God forgave Adam and Eve who brought sin, death, and destruction into the world. He descended into hell for them to bring them up back into communion with Him. How much more will He forgive us, who has Jesus living inside of us? He descends into our lives every time we sin or have a misstep, ready to draw us up to Himself and live gloriously with Him in heaven.