Fear No One - Walking in God's Sight

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 25, 2023

Readings: Jeremiah 20:10–13; Psalm 69:8–10, 14, 17, 33–35; Romans 5:12–15; Matthew 10:26–33

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/vXlVKTqB1Q0

To break the monotony of the Ordinary liturgical year, we are blessed with a number of feasts and solemnities which make our faith life interesting. This weekend, we celebrate the nativity of St John the Baptist whom Jesus called the greatest of all the prophets. He is a reminder of our sacrament of Baptism. He is a symbol of honesty, sincerity and integrity, who prepared the way to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In the coming week, we also celebrate the solemnities of St Peter and St Paul, the two distinct foundational pillars of the Church. Because of them, since the infancy days of our religion, the Church could look beyond the Jewish mentality and see the bigger picture of salvation which Christ offered to us. Both of them are men of knowledge and wisdom who laid a strong foundation for our Christian religion. The liturgical readings for this Sunday are so vibrant that they make us strong just like St John the Baptist, St Peter and St Paul. 

1. Lord's protection in the midst of challenges

We must start our reflections from the first reading for this Sunday. In Jeremiah 20:10-13, we find the prophet Jeremiah expressing his anguish and frustration. He had been faithfully proclaiming God's messages to the people, but instead of receiving acceptance and support, he faced rejection, mockery, and even persecution. Jeremiah's words reflect the deep pain and struggle he experienced as he faithfully carried out his prophetic calling. His words are harsh. His tone is loud. Because Jeremiah faced opposition not only from the people but also from his close friends and acquaintances who turned against him. 

Despite the challenges, Jeremiah remained resolute in his commitment to God's truth. Jeremiah's experience resonates with us today as we encounter similar struggles in our own lives. There are times when we may feel discouraged and disheartened, facing opposition and rejection for living out our faith and proclaiming God's truth in a world that often disregards or opposes it.  We may even experience opposition from those closest to us, which can be particularly painful. Our own people may demotivate us to practice our religion. But in the midst of our struggles, we can find strength and encouragement in Jeremiah's example. Like him, we must remember that our faithfulness is not dependent on the approval or acceptance of others. Our primary allegiance is to God and His truth. We are called to be faithful to our convictions and to speak the truth in love, regardless of the response we receive.

2. Lord's abounding free gift of grace empowers us

In the Second Reading of today taken from Romans 5:12-15, the apostle Paul reflects on the concept of sin and its consequences. He points out that through the sin of one man, Adam, sin entered the world, and death came as a result. The effects of sin and death spread to all humanity, leading to separation from God and a broken relationship with Him. Paul contrasts the sin of Adam with the work of Jesus Christ. Just as sin entered the world through one man, so too did salvation come through one man, Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. His grace and righteousness far surpass the impact of sin, bringing hope and life to all who believe.

Paul's reflection in Romans 5:12-15 speaks deeply to our spiritual journey. It reminds us of the reality of sin and its consequences, which have affected all of humanity. We live in a broken world, experiencing the effects of sin through our own actions and the actions of others. The separation from God that sin brings leaves us in need of redemption and restoration. Despite the overwhelming weight of sin, God's grace is greater. Through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, He has bridged the gap between humanity and God. He offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life to all who put their faith in Him. We are invited to turn away from sin, surrender our lives to Him, and experience the transforming power of His grace.

3. Lord takes away fear and plants courage

As we move further in the Gospel of Matthew 10:26-33, we see Jesus is addressing His disciples, preparing them for the challenges they will face as they proclaim the Gospel and fulfill their mission. He encourages them not to fear those who oppose them or threaten their lives, but to trust in God's providence and protection. Jesus assures His disciples that the truth will ultimately be revealed. He reminds them that what is hidden will be brought to light and what is whispered in secret will be proclaimed from the housetops. He exhorts them not to fear those who can harm the body but cannot touch the soul. Rather, they should fear God, who has ultimate authority over both body and soul.

Jesus makes us his disciples to open our eyes to the reality around us which is indeed challenging. We live in a world that often opposes the truth and persecutes those who follow it. As believers, we may face ridicule, rejection, and even hostility due to our faith and just convictions. In the face of such challenges, Jesus encourages us not to be afraid. Jesus reminds us of God's sovereignty and assures us of His watchful care. We are called to place our trust in Him, knowing that He sees and knows all things. The value and cost of discipleship often require sacrifice and may strain relationships, even within our own families. Perhaps, the strong and robust saints that we have in the persons of St John the Baptist, St Peter and St Paul are the best examples to emulate in our lives. 

Questions for self-reflection:

1. Do I trust in God's providence and protection, even in the face of opposition or challenges to my faith? How can I deepen my trust in Him?
2. Have I experienced rejection or hostility due to my faith? How did I respond in those situations? How can I grow in resilience and grace when facing opposition?
3. In what ways can I strengthen my commitment to Jesus and remain faithful to Him, even when it is difficult?

Prayer: 

Gracious God, 

We thank and praise you for your benevolent care for us. When we look to you in our troubles, we see your embrace. In all that we do, may we proclaim Your goodness and share Your love with others. Empower us to be faithful stewards of the gifts and blessings You have bestowed upon us. May your great kindness be upon us. 

We give thanks for the privilege of entering into Your presence and experiencing Your love and grace. May our lives be a testimony of Your faithfulness, drawing others to seek You and find the abundant life that comes through a relationship with You. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen. 

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

June 23, 2023