June 21, 2026: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Matthew 10:26-33

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

This portion of Matthew’s Gospel relays many wisdom sayings from Jesus – all of which contain good lessons for our lives today. They speak of sharing what we have been taught, of being careful of those around us who can destroy both our soul and our body, and of sharing our truths when speaking of our relationship with God.

Which lesson shall we consider in this brief reflection? Perhaps all of these lessons are related to the initial words of Jesus in this Gospel reading – “Fear not.” How are we to follow that desire of Jesus that we be unafraid, particularly in our chaotic world?

Jesus tells us that as God cares for the smallest creatures in this “kindom.” God cares for us. Each day we can be mindful of that love as we look around at the beauty in our lives and on Earth. As we recognize that love and share it with others, we are strengthened in our trust of God.

We learn to be unafraid when we listen well and take to heart what we hear in Scripture, in homilies and from our spiritual reading. Jesus’ words about fearing those who can kill the soul speaks to me that we must have wise discernment in our use of social media, and careful listening in conversations and when attending to radio and television.

Jesus sets a goal before us to fear not, to not be intimidated by those who deny God’s love. Our ability to trust can be strengthened with daily attention to the word of God and a healthy dose of silence which allows God to share his love and his care, thus bestowing a trusting spirit upon us.

Action

This week, we might spend time reflecting on the care that God provides Earth through the faithful stewardship of people who know God’s love. Let us also pay attention to the words of Pope Leo:

“Disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment, and indifference, so we may become instruments of reconciliation.”