The readings for Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time may be found at:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062126.cfm
This week, Saint Matthew gives us part of what scholars call
the "Missionary Discourse."
Jesus is speaking in Galilee.
He has gathered the Twelve Apostles
and is preparing to send them out
to preach, heal, and proclaim the Kingdom of God.
And three times He tells them: "Do not be afraid."
Whenever Jesus repeats something, we should pay attention.
Because He knows us.
He knows how easily fear can take hold of our hearts.
Many of us have waited for test results,
worried about a loved one,
or wondered what the future might bring.
And in those moments, fear can overwhelm us.
What is remarkable
is that Jesus does not speak these words
to people living comfortable lives.
He has just warned the Apostles
that they will face opposition, rejection, and persecution.
Yet He tells them: "Do not be afraid." (pause)
Not because nothing difficult will happen. (pause)
But because God is greater than whatever they will face.
Faith is not believing that nothing bad will happen.
Faith is believing that God will be with us whatever happens.
And in today's Gospel,
Jesus gives us three reasons why we do not need to live in fear.
First, God sees us.
Jesus says: "Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed."
Sometimes it seems
our goodness, sacrifices, and burdens go unnoticed.
But God sees everything.
Every act of kindness.
Every sacrifice.
Every silent prayer.
Every struggle.
Nothing escapes His notice.
Even when no one else sees - God sees.
Second, God loves us.
Jesus tells His disciples:
"You are worth more than many sparrows." (pause)
He even knows the number of hairs on your head.
Think about that.
The God who created the universe
knows each of us personally.
He knows our fears,
our disappointments,
and the prayers we have carried for years.
And He loves us anyway.
Not because we have earned it or are perfect,
but because He is our Father.
Third, God is with us.
Not only does God see us.
Not only does He love us.
He walks beside us.
Jesus says: "Do not be afraid of those
who kill the body but cannot kill the Soul."
The Lord reminds us that our relationship with Him
is the most important reality in our lives.
Everything else will pass away -
our careers, possessions, even our earthly lives.
But our souls are eternal.
That is why prayer matters.
That is why confession matters.
That is why Mass matters.
That is why time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament matters.
Because God is not distant.
He walks beside us, strengthens us, and leads us home.
At the end of today's Gospel, Jesus says:
"Everyone who acknowledges me before others
I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father."
Most of us will never be asked to die for Christ.
But every one of us is called to live for Him.
And sometimes living for Christ
can be harder than dying for Him.
It means choosing Him every day.
In ordinary moments.
In ordinary decisions.
In ordinary acts of love.
We acknowledge God when we pray,
pray with our families,
forgive those who hurt us,
invite someone back to Mass,
and choose faith instead of fear.
But how can we make this real this week?
First, identify one fear that has been weighing on your heart
and place it before God every day in prayer.
Second, spend a few moments each day thanking God for His
blessings, instead of focusing only on your worries.
And third, make your faith visible.
Pray before a meal in public.
Spend time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Reach out to someone who is struggling.
Invite someone back to Mass.
Because for some people we meet this week,
the closest thing they may see to Christ
is the Christ they encounter in us.
And that may be exactly why God is placing them in our path.
Jesus knew the fears of His disciples,
and He knows ours as well.
In today's Gospel,
Jesus tells His Apostles three times, "Do not be afraid."
Maybe He repeats it three times
because He knows how often we need to hear it.
Whatever burden you are carrying - God sees you.
Whatever regret you are carrying - God loves you.
Whatever uncertainty lies ahead - God is with you.
And because that is true,
Jesus says to each one of us today -
"Do not be afraid."
