June 25, 2023 7:54 PM
Jeremiah 20: 10-13
Romans 5: 12-15
Matthew 10: 26-33
“Jesus said to the Twelve: ‘Fear no one.’”
Today’s reading from the Gospel of St. Matthew is part of Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve Apostles, as he is about to send them off on a preaching tour throughout the Galilee. I can picture the look on the Apostles faces as they prepare for this journey. As much as they want to do this, they were also hesitant, because of what they may encounter. They could guess what the reactions of the Pharisees would be. And then there was also the Roman occupiers; who have governed the province with an iron fist. They would maintain peace at any cost, even if meant cracking open some heads. So the Apostles would not be blamed if they were all feeling a little apprehensive. Jesus keeps telling them that they will not be alone, that the Father would be watching over them; so he tells them to shout out the Good News; that salvation was at hand. Shout it out in the village squares. Shout it out in vineyards and throughout the fields. Shout it out!
And Jesus’ message holds very true for us in our present times. And there is such a great need for people in our communities to hear this Good News. There is a great need for people out there to experience the Good News of Jesus Christ being lived, here and now!
And that is challenge that is before all of us. And to meet that challenge requires continuing conversion on our part. To realize and to accept the fact that with all our own faults and failures, God does loves us, cares for us. And if that is true, we, in turn, must love others. Loving those we call friends, and loving those we may have a hard time accepting as friends; bringing them all together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
So as Jesus is always reaching out to us with love; so we also must reach out to those we encounter daily, relative, friend or stranger. And we let them know, by word and deed, that there are people out there who care for them.
“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.” (Matthew 10: 26-33)
Posted by Deacon Jonathan Jones ofs
Categories: Catholic Church, Homily, Sunday Readings
Tags: Apostles, Good News, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ, preaching, proclaiming
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