Jun 25 2023 Reflection
Sunday 25 June 2023
First Reading: Jer 20:10-13
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Ps 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
Second Reading: Rom 5:12-15
Gospel Reading: Mt 10:26-33
Today’s Note: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Reading:
Jesus said to the Twelve:
“Fear no one.
Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;
what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy
both soul and body in Gehenna.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?
Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.
Even all the hairs of your head are counted.
So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Everyone who acknowledges me before others
I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.
But whoever denies me before others,
I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
Reflection:
What does fear have to do with the kingdom of God? Fear is a powerful force. It can lead us to panic and flight or it can spur us to faith and action. The fear of God is the antidote to the fear of losing one’s life. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. O fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no want! Come, O sons, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 34:4,9,11)
Godly fear, reverence, and respect for God’s ways produce wisdom and right judgment
What is godly fear? It is reverence for the One who made us in love and who sustains us in mercy and kindness. The greatest injury or loss which we can experience is not physical but spiritual – the loss of one’s heart, mind, and soul to the power of hell. A healthy fear of God leads to spiritual maturity, wisdom and right judgment and it frees us from the tyranny of cowardly fear and sinful pride that refuses to do what is right, good, and just – especially in the face of opposition and evil. Do you trust in the power of God’s love and truth that can conquer every fear and form of evil and wrongdoing? The Lord Jesus willingly embraced the cross for our sake to atone for our sins and to free us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death. Do you believe in the power of his cross and victory over death, despair, and sin?
Proclaim boldly what no earthly power can destroy – the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ
When Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God he met opposition and hostility from those who refused to believe in him. He tells his disciples that they must expect the same treatment if they are to live and to proclaim the reign of God. There is both a warning and a privilege in his statement. Just as Jesus had to carry his cross, so the disciples must carry their cross and not try to evade it. To suffer for the faith is to share in the work of Christ. As one hymn states: Lift high the Cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod. The Holy Spirit gives us power and grace to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Do you trust in God’s grace to carry your cross for Jesus’ sake?
Lord Jesus, it is my joy and privilege to be your disciple. Give me strength and courage to bear any hardship and suffering which may come my way in your service. May I witness to others the new life, joy and victory you have won for us through your cross and resurrection.
