12th Sunday of Ordinary Time – June 25, 2023
Theme: “Go and Proclaim: Do not be afraid for the FATHER loves us.”
First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-13
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 69:10-12,14-15,16-18
Second Reading: Romans 6:1-11
Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:24-33
GO AND PROCLAIM: DO NOT BE AFRAID FOR THE FATHER LOVES YOU
(A RECAPITULATION BASED ON THE HOMILY OF +FR. ROMIE JUN PENALOSA)
“Do not be afraid.” Such a very important statement that that Jesus Himself mentioned three times in today’s Gospel.
In our everyday life, we are bombarded with a lot of questions. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we close our eyes to sleep in the evening, our minds are filled with countless thoughts. Often, we struggle to find the right answers because we haven’t asked the right questions. Father Jun encourages us to ask the right questions in order to grow and mature in our spiritual journey.
What do you want in life? What are you afraid of in life? These two (2) important questions will confront us with our fear and will guide us in the right direction toward God. As we grow older and mature, we need to ask these questions deep in our hearts. We need to discover what we really want so that we will not end up wandering in life.
The life of the prophet Jeremiah reflects the significance of these questions. Despite God’s warning, Jeremiah knew what he wanted. He fearlessly faced uncertainties, trials, mockery, disdain, failures, and persecution while proclaiming and prophesying about God. He knew that God was with him, and he experienced God’s profound presence deep within his heart.
God allows many things in our life not to destroy us but to discover something profound in our life that others may never experience. Through life’s trials, we can encounter the profound presence of God—a presence that brings peace and joy to our hearts, regardless of the problems we face.
Once we discover that place in our hearts where the Lord never leaves us, our only fear becomes losing God’s presence in our lives. Jesus will never condemn us for our mistakes in trying. Let us take care of our soul, for it is through our souls that we connect with God. The moment we neglect prayer, we are allowing the world to touch our souls. As long as we keep and take care of our souls, no one can touch us. So Church, let us not be afraid to do our mission. Let us not fear man who can harm our body and emotions, but we should be more afraid of God who can destroy both body and soul.
Recap by:
MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU
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