XII Sunday of the Year

FEARLESS IN PERSECUTION

Jeremiah 20:10-13; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33

Readings for the XII Sunday of the Year

On 22 May this year, a Catholic priest, Reverend Javier García, was killed in Michoacan, Mexico, the ninth slain in the country in the past four years. According to Agenzia Fides, 18 missionaries were killed worldwide last year: 12 priests, four religious, one seminarian, and one lay person. Today, as always, those who proclaim the Gospel and its values, those who stand for justice and truth, are ill-treated and persecuted. Some give up; most fight on. What sustains them? Today’s liturgy gives us an indication!

The first reading describes Jeremiah’s difficult mission: to denounce the abomination of the people and to warn them of God’s wrath. His friends discredited and denounced him; the army council threw him into prison and threatened him with death. 

Human that he was, Jeremiah was afraid; but he did not allow fear to write his script. He refused to be intimidated. What sustained Jeremiah was the profound belief that God cared for him and was on his side: “The Lord is with me as a dread warrior.”

The gospel is a continuation of Jesus’ commissioning of the apostles. In the verses preceding today’s text, he warned them about imminent persecution. Now he tells them to preach without fear. He keeps repeating “do not be afraid.” How can the apostles not be afraid in the face of persecution? 

The antidote to fear is God’s care. Jesus illustrates the Father’s deep care through the example of the sale of sparrows. Sparrows were sold two for a penny; five for two pennies (with one free). Jesus says: “Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.” God cares even for that one “worthless” sparrow! How much more does he care for us! This knowledge of God’s love and protection overcomes all fear. 

Jeremiah and the apostles could face their persecutors with courage because they were deeply aware of God’s love for them.

We are called to be prophets – people who fearlessly denounce the wrong and stand up for the right – at home, in our workplaces, in society… everywhere. 

Am I willing to acknowledge Jesus despite intimidation? What are the fears which keep me from witnessing to Jesus and his values? Do I believe that God cares for me?