Twelfth Sunday of the Year June 21, 2026
Jeremiah 20:10-13; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33
"I guess they must be very poor," the man said to the missionary who was the couple's guide and interpreter. "Yes," replied the missionary. "That's the family of Chi Nevi. When the church was built, they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money. So, they sold their ox and gave the money to the church. This spring they are pulling the plough themselves." After a long silence, the woman said, "That was a real sacrifice."
The missionary responded: “They do not call it a sacrifice. They are just thankful they had an ox to sell.”
Those words reveal a profound truth about faith. What others see as sacrifice, believers often see as gratitude. What others see as loss, believers see as an opportunity to express their trust in God. Such faith is possible only when one places God above comfort, security, and even personal gain.
Today’s readings speak about courageous faith, trust in God's providence, and the willingness to remain faithful even when it costs us something. They challenge us to move beyond fear and to place our confidence completely in the Lord.
In the first reading from the Book of Jeremiah, we encounter a prophet who is suffering greatly because of his mission. Jeremiah has faithfully proclaimed God's word, but instead of receiving appreciation, he experiences rejection, ridicule, and persecution. He says, “I hear many whispering: Terror is on every side.” His enemies are watching for an opportunity to bring him down. They want to see him fail. They want to silence him.
Many of us can identify with Jeremiah's experience. There are times when doing what is right makes us unpopular. There are moments when honesty brings criticism, when faithfulness invites misunderstanding, and when standing for truth results in opposition. Jeremiah teaches us that faith does not guarantee a life free from difficulties. Being close to God does not mean that problems disappear. In fact, sometimes faithfulness to God may bring challenges.
Yet Jeremiah does not allow fear to control him. In the midst of his suffering, he proclaims, “The Lord is with me like a mighty champion.” His confidence is not based on his own strength but on God's presence. This is one of the most important lessons in the spiritual life. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is trusting God despite fear. Jeremiah's enemies may be powerful, but God is greater.
In the Gospel, Jesus directly addresses one of humanity's deepest struggles: fear.
Three times in this passage Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid. He knows that they will face opposition and persecution. He knows that proclaiming the Gospel will not always be easy. Yet Jesus insists that fear should never control the life of a disciple. He tells them that whatever is hidden will be revealed. Truth will ultimately triumph. Lies and injustice may seem powerful for a time, but they cannot endure forever. Jesus then says something remarkable: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
Our fears often arise because we focus only on temporary realities. We worry about what people think of us. We worry about losing comfort, reputation, or security. Jesus invites us to see life from an eternal perspective. He reminds us that every sparrow is known to God and that even the hairs of our head are counted. These words reveal God's tender providence. If God cares for the smallest creatures, how much more does He care for His children?
Many people imagine God as distant and uninvolved. Jesus presents a different image. God notices every struggle, every tear, every prayer, and every fear. Nothing in our lives escapes His loving attention.
The Gospel concludes with a challenge. Jesus says that whoever acknowledges Him before others will be acknowledged before the Father. Discipleship requires public witness. Faith cannot remain hidden. Today Christians are often tempted to keep their faith private. Society may tolerate faith as long as it remains confined to personal life. But Jesus calls us to live our faith openly through our words, choices, values, and actions.
Acknowledging Christ does not always mean preaching sermons. It means living according to the Gospel even when it is difficult. It means choosing honesty when dishonesty is easier. It means choosing forgiveness when resentment seems justified. It means choosing faith when fear seems overwhelming.
There are three important life messages for us today.
First, do not allow fear to control your life. Like Jeremiah, trust that God is with you even in moments of opposition, uncertainty, and suffering.
Second, believe in the power of God's grace. Sin, failure, and weakness do not have the final word. Christ's mercy is always greater than human brokenness.
Third, witness to your faith courageously. A disciple of Jesus is called not only to believe privately but also to live the Gospel publicly through actions and attitudes.
Let us return to the story of the Korean family. To outsiders, selling their ox seemed like an extraordinary sacrifice. Yet the family did not see it that way. They were simply grateful for what God had given them and wanted to offer it back in thanksgiving.
Their attitude reflects the spirit of today's readings. Jeremiah remained faithful despite suffering because he trusted God. St Paul rejoiced in God's grace because he knew that salvation was a gift. Jesus taught His disciples not to be afraid because they were precious in the Father's eyes.
When faith is rooted in gratitude, fear begins to lose its power. When we recognize how much God has done for us, sacrifice becomes generosity, hardship becomes witness, and trust becomes possible.
The Korean family could give away their most valuable possession because they believed that God was their true security. The disciples could proclaim the Gospel despite persecution because they trusted in God's providence. Jeremiah could continue his mission because he knew the Lord was his mighty champion.
The same invitation is given to us today. Instead of living in fear, let us live in gratitude. Instead of clinging to what we possess, let us trust in God's care. Instead of hiding our faith, let us witness to Christ with courage.
For those who know that God is with them, every sacrifice becomes an act of love, every challenge becomes an opportunity for faith, and every day becomes a reason for gratitude.
Happy Sunday
