Ordinary Time Week XII [Yr. A] (June 21, 2026): Jer 20:10-13; Rom 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33. By: Rev. Fr. Clifford Atta Anim.

“DO NOT BE AFRAID”

The readings for this Sunday revolve around a message that every believer needs to hear repeatedly: “Do not be afraid.” In a world filled with uncertainty, suffering, rejection, and anxiety, God invites us to place our trust in Him and to proclaim the Gospel courageously. The Lord does not promise a life free from difficulties, but He assures us of His constant presence and protection amid life’s trials.

The Christian vocation has never been easy. Throughout salvation history, those who were chosen by God often faced misunderstanding, opposition, ridicule, and even persecution. Yet they remained faithful because they knew that God was with them. Today’s readings remind us that fear must never prevent us from living our faith or witnessing to Christ.

Jeremiah: Courage in the Face of Opposition

The first reading presents the prophet Jeremiah, one of the most courageous figures in the Old Testament. God called Jeremiah to proclaim His word during a turbulent period in Israel’s history. His message was often unwelcome because he challenged the people’s sins and warned them of the consequences of their infidelity.

As a result, Jeremiah became the target of ridicule, insults, threats, and betrayal. Even his friends plotted against him. He experienced loneliness, discouragement, and profound suffering. Yet he refused to abandon his mission because he trusted in the Lord.

Jeremiah describes God as a “mighty champion” who stands beside him (Jeremiah 20:11). Although enemies surrounded him, he knew that God would ultimately vindicate him.

Jeremiah’s experience foreshadows the sufferings of Christ Himself. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was rejected by many of His own people. He was falsely accused, betrayed by a friend, mocked, condemned, and crucified. Yet He remained faithful to His mission because He trusted completely in His Father.

Many Christians today experience similar struggles. Standing for truth can bring criticism. Living according to Gospel values may lead to rejection. Defending human life, marriage, justice, honesty, and faith may make us unpopular. Jeremiah reminds us that fidelity to God is more important than human approval.

The Cry of the Righteous Sufferer

The Responsorial Psalm continues this theme of trust amid suffering. The psalmist speaks as one who has become a stranger even to his own family and who endures insults because of his faithfulness to God.

These words find their fullest fulfillment in Jesus Christ. During His public ministry, many misunderstood Him. Some members of His own extended family questioned Him. Religious leaders opposed Him. Crowds that once praised Him later demanded His crucifixion.

Yet despite rejection and suffering, the psalmist continues to trust in God’s saving love. His confidence teaches us that prayer is not merely for moments of comfort but especially for moments of distress. When human support fails, God remains faithful.

Christ, the New Adam and Source of Our Hope

In the second reading, Saint Paul contrasts Adam and Christ. Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, bringing suffering and death. Through Christ’s obedience, grace entered the world, bringing forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Paul’s message is profoundly encouraging. Christians need not fear because Christ has already won the decisive victory over sin and death. Through Baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and Resurrection. His triumph becomes our triumph.

This truth changes our perspective on suffering. Difficulties and persecutions do not have the final word. The Resurrection assures us that God’s power is greater than every trial, every failure, every injustice, and even death itself.

Saint Paul himself experienced imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, rejection, and countless hardships. Yet he could confidently proclaim: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Jesus’ Command: “Do Not Be Afraid”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for mission. He knows that they will encounter opposition, misunderstanding, and persecution. Therefore, before sending them out, He gives them a repeated command: “Do not be afraid.”

Three times in this passage Jesus urges His followers not to fear.

First, they are not to fear those who oppose the truth. The Gospel may be challenged, ridiculed, or rejected, but God’s truth will ultimately prevail.

Second, they are not to fear those who can harm the body but cannot destroy the soul. Physical suffering is real, but eternal communion with God is infinitely more important.

Third, they are not to fear because they are precious in God’s sight.

To illustrate this truth, Jesus points to the sparrows. In His time, sparrows were among the cheapest birds sold in the marketplace. Yet not one of them falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge.

Then Jesus makes a remarkable statement: “Even the hairs of your head have all been counted” (Matthew 10:30).

This is not merely a poetic expression. It is a declaration of God’s intimate knowledge and loving care. If God cares for the smallest creatures, how much more does He care for His sons and daughters created in His image?

Fear and the Human Heart

Fear is one of humanity’s most common experiences. We fear failure, rejection, illness, poverty, loneliness, aging, uncertainty, and death.

Many parents worry about their children’s future. Young people fear making wrong decisions. Workers fear losing their jobs. Families fear financial difficulties. The elderly fear declining health. Some fear being judged because of their faith.

At the root of most fears lies the possibility of losing something valuable. We fear losing relationships, security, health, reputation, possessions, opportunities, or life itself.

Yet Jesus invites us to see beyond these fears.

The question is not whether losses will occur. The question is whether we trust God enough to remain faithful when they do.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly tells His people, “Do not be afraid.”

He said it to Abraham when he left his homeland (Genesis 15:1).

He said it to Moses before confronting Pharaoh (Exodus 14:13).

He said it to Joshua before entering the Promised Land (Joshua 1:9).

He said it to Mary at the Annunciation (Luke 1:30).

He said it to the shepherds at Bethlehem (Luke 2:10).

He said it to Peter when the apostle walked on water (Matthew 14:27).

He says it to us today.

Life Messages

1. Trust That Your Life Is in God’s Hands

One of the greatest antidotes to fear is remembering that our lives are not governed by chance but by divine providence.

God knows our struggles, our worries, our disappointments, and our fears better than we do ourselves.

Nothing escapes His attention.

Even when circumstances seem confusing or painful, God remains present and active. The Cross teaches us that God can bring good even from suffering and victory even from apparent defeat.

Whenever fear arises, let us place ourselves in God’s hands and repeat the words of the Psalmist:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).

2. Be Courageous Witnesses of Christ

The Gospel calls us not merely to believe privately but to witness publicly.

Many Christians today hesitate to speak about their faith because they fear criticism or rejection. Yet the world desperately needs courageous disciples who are willing to live and proclaim the Gospel.

Witnessing does not always require preaching sermons. Sometimes it means living with integrity when others compromise, forgiving when others seek revenge, remaining honest when dishonesty is rewarded, or defending the vulnerable when others remain silent.

Every act of Christian courage becomes a proclamation of Christ.

3. Remember Your Infinite Worth

One of the most beautiful truths in today’s Gospel is that every person is precious in God’s eyes.

In a society where many people measure their value by appearance, wealth, status, or success, Jesus reminds us that our worth comes from being loved by God.

We are not accidents.

We are not forgotten.

We are not insignificant.

We are beloved children of the Father.

The God who knows every star in the universe also knows every detail of our lives.

Because we belong to Him, we can face the future with confidence.

Conclusion

The message of today’s readings is simple but powerful: Do not be afraid.

Like Jeremiah, we may face opposition.

Like the psalmist, we may experience rejection.

Like the early Christians, we may encounter challenges because of our faith.

Yet we are never alone.

The God who called Jeremiah, strengthened the apostles, raised Jesus from the dead, and guided the saints throughout history remains with us today.

Whatever difficulties we face, we can trust that our lives are in the hands of a loving Father who knows us, values us, and walks beside us.

Therefore, let us move forward in faith, proclaiming Christ boldly through our words and actions.

As the psalmist beautifully concludes:

“Trust in the Lord; be strong and take heart, and trust in the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). Amen. God Bless You.