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June 24, 2023Reflection for 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 25, 2023
Jeremiah 20:10-13: This passage has a hopeful message that transcends the daunting realities that the righteous will face from unjust others. In Jeremiah’s time, the world didn’t welcome him or others proclaiming God’s love and God’s Word as the conduit of salvation. Messengers of God were then, as now, persecuted, rejected and even killed for spreading a message that sometimes, defied unjust existing laws and people in power. Nevertheless, Jeremiah expresses supreme confidence in God’s protection and faithfulness in fortifying him with all graces necessary for completing God’s work. Reflect this week on the fact that it seems, at times, that evil is winning in today’s world. Despite this illusion, be comforted that God is near and that the final victory is God’s; and… by inheritance… ours! Goodness and holiness and truth will triumph, in the end.
Psalm 69: “Lord, in Your great love, answer me.” Like Jeremiah, the psalmist in this hymn is being persecuted for being God’s messenger of hope and truth. However, despite the persecution and abuse, the psalmist claims to be so full of “zeal for God’s House,” that friends and family are turning against her/him. In faith-filled response to persecution and ill-treatment, the author prays for deliverance and redemption from persecution. The psalmist prays with serene confidence in God’s attentive listening, God’s power to save and in God’s boundless kindness and mercy.
The final verse, today calls on us to look and see signs of God’s Presence and saving power all around us. We’re being called to share in the confidence, trust and faith of God’s Holy Ones. In response to God’s mighty works and healing miracles, we’re being called to adore, worship, praise and thank God, more energetically. Let’s do so!
Romans 5:12-15: This passage proclaims both God’s justice and God’s mercy. It’s both sobering and comforting. It’s sobering to consider that we all suffer from the sin of Adam and from one another’s sins. Regardless whether we plan or intend to hurt others, our sins have effects that others inherit and/or suffer from. We may, mistakenly think that we only hurt ourselves by our sins, but every sin we commit effects our responses to God’s grace and can affect, negatively, our interpersonal behaviors.
This passage is comforting in its proclaiming that, just as we inherited from one man, (Adam), sin and death; we also inherit, from one man, (Jesus Christ), Salvation and Redemption from Jesus’ Sacrifice of Himself on the Cross. St. Paul encourages us with his reassurance that “the grace of God and the gracious gift of Jesus” overflow for the many. Jesus’ gift of Salvation isn’t a gift we earn. It’s given to us; despite us… not because of us!
Matt 10:26-33: After our first readings about the persecution and rejection faced by God’s messengers, now come encouraging and trust-building words from Jesus, Himself. Jesus reassures us that Truth cannot, ultimately be hidden. All Truth will be made known. Truth and Justice will triumph in the end… for all eternity! This knowledge MUST give us all a transcending serenity, peace and confident faith.
Jesus tells us not to fear those who can harm our physical body; for we’ll soon enough, have an eternal, glorified body! We’re to rise above earthly concerns and earthly fears and preoccupations, such that we focus on what really matters… preparing for Heaven by sharing the Good News of Salvation, through Jesus Christ, on earth! Let’s share the Truth… the Good News… at every opportunity! Our merciful God loves and cares deeply for us!
Deacon Matt
