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Witnesses of Providence

XII Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year A – June 25, 2017

June 23, 2017Archbishop Francesco FolloSpirituality and Prayer

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Roman Rite

Jer 20: 10-13; Ps 69; Rm 5.12-15; Mt 10: 26-33

Ambrosian Rite

Gen 2,4 b-17; Ps 103; Rm 5: 12-17;Jn. 3: 16-21

III Sunday after Pentecost

1) Evangelism and compassion.

Faith tells us that our life is guarded by the love of God, who is Father and, therefore, providence.

Today’s Gospel confirms this faith, and Christ reminds us that if God cares even for sparrows and weak things like our hair, he certainly takes care of us every day.

God is never absent, he is with us in every moment of our life and will be until the end of world. We know that we are in the hands of God, who made his own the human drama becoming flesh to save us. He is always present, is moved and cries, takes part, leans on ours wounds, wipes our tears, and bends over each one of us.

Yet, we often live in fear. In fact, the comforting truth that God, with serene look and secure hand guides our story, paradoxically finds in our heart a double contrasting sentiment. On the one hand, we are led to welcome and trust this providential God, as the Psalmist states: “I am calm and serene. Like a baby in the arm of his mother is quiet my heart within me “(Ps 130, 2). On the other hand, however, we have fear and hesitate to abandon ourselves to God, Lord and Savior of our lives, because, obscured by things, we forget about the provident God, or because, wounded by the various sufferings and difficulties of life, we doubt him as Father. In both cases the Providence of God is called into question by our fragile humanity.

On this slender ridge between hope and despair lies God’s word, so splendid to be humanly almost incredible, so true to immensely enhance the reasons for hope. The word of God never assumes such greatness and charm as when It confronts with the utmost questions of man, of each one of us, who asks: “What is and where is my destiny? “. The Gospel tells us that God is here, he is Emmanuel, God-with-us (Is 7, 14), and in Jesus of Nazareth, dead and resurrected, good Face of Destiny, Son of God and our Brother, God shows that he has “planted his tent among us” (Jn 1:14).

If we accept the answer that it is Christ, who dwells in us and we in Him, we are not afraid anymore because fear is won by our being rooted in Love.

If, today, we welcome the invitation of Christ, who three times tells us not to be afraid, not only we will live in peace because our heart is consoled, but we will be witnesses of his Gospel of compassion, bringing in the squares of our cities and the intimacy of our homes the happy announce that God is among us and tells us: “Do not look after you, let your Lord take care of you.”

Mission is born from the compassion received by God and shared among us. This compassion is not just saying that we pity someone. The word “compassion” comes from two words (Greek and Hebrew) that refer to the bowels, to the mother’s womb. To feel compassion is something that takes us inside, something visceral, and this seems to me to be the only condition to be able to grasp the invitation of Jesus not to fear but to trust God. Mission, preaching from the terraces, as the today’s gospel says, is possible only to the extent that it does not become a matter of organization, but of compassion.

Therefore, it is right (or at least I hope so) to affirm that the first invitation that the Liturgy of the Word of this Sunday sends to us is to trust God. In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah states “The Lord is with me … the Lord has freed the life of the poor”, but so also does the text of the Gospel, which – through pictures – tells us of a life, ours, guarded by the love of God. We read of Jeremiah, besieged by friends and enemies hangry at him. Why? Just because he announced the face of God and has exhorted the people who listened to him to confide only in God. For this, Jeremiah is captured, bound, and lashed in the temple. For this reason, Christ has been crucified.

The life of Jeremiah and that of Christ show that it is worth trusting in God. It is reasonable to live this total abandonment and this loving confidence. When we do it, we experience a deep peace and joy. In moments of discouragement let’s look up to Christ and to the long series of saints who have followed him. As an example, I’d like to quote Nicodemus who, for fear, goes to Jesus at night. Night is the ideal time for those who do not want to be seen or do not want to be seen talking to someone. Those who are ashamed to show themselves, find the ideal time at night. The night of Nicodemus perhaps indicates the fear of being oneself. It indicates the fear of being true. The night of Nicodemus indicates his inability and his fear of being free. Beautiful then is that then, at the most difficult time, Nicodemus asks for the body of Jesus in the deep of the day, as if asking for it screaming from a roof.

2) Martyrs: Exemplary witnesses of Providence and trusting God until death.

I very much like the fact that in today’s Gospel there is also written that nothing will remain hidden or unknown to God, not even the smallest suffering. For us, “child of God” is a guarantee that also discomfort, suffering or, to the limit, martyrdom enter the design of God the Father. The statement “A sparrow does not fall without God knowing and wanting it”, does not mean that it will never happen that we fall, but that everything is part of the almighty design of the omnipotent and provisional Father. It means: if it happens to fall, God knows. God is within our suffering and we are not abandoned. His presence is a presence of salvation, although if obviously it is not perceived, and even if at a psychological level does not make a great impact and we do not feel great consolation. However, within a dimension of faith there is the possibility of living this dimension of the presence of the Emmanuel’s love, God always with us.

St. Paul compares human and cosmic suffering to the pains of “childbirth” of the whole creation, emphasizing the “weeping” of those who possess the “first fruits” of the Spirit and await the fullness of adoption, that is, “the redemption of our body.” But he adds “We know that everything is good for those who love God. . . “And beyond:” What then will separate us from the love of Christ? Perhaps tribulation, anguish, persecution, hunger, nudity, danger, or sword? ” to the conclusion” I am persuaded that neither death nor life…nor any other creature can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord ” (Rm 8, 22-39). Alongside the paternity of God, manifested by Divine Providence, the pedagogy of God appears “It is for your correction (” paideia “, that is, education) that you suffer! God treats you like children; and which child is not corrected (educated) by the father? . . . God does it for our own good in order to make us partakers of his holiness ” (cf. Eph 12: 7-10) (St. John Paul II). Therefore, with the eyes of faith, suffering, though it may still look like the darkest aspect of the destiny of man on earth, reveals the mystery of the divine Providence, contained in the revelation of Christ, and in particular in his cross and resurrection.

The important thing is to discover, through faith, the power and the “wisdom” of the Father God who with Christ leads us to the saving ways of divine Providence. The meaning of the words of the psalmist is confirmed: “The Lord is my shepherd. . . If I walk in a dark valley, I fear no evil for you are with me “(Ps 23: 1-4).

We must Christianly call Providence any experience that is brought from what we “humanly” call destiny, with confidence we must overcome our ignorance and with love collaborate in the redemptive work of God the Son. May his Holy Spirit testify in our heart that we are truly the children of God, and that it is reasonable to accept all the events of the “hand” of God.

The testament written by the Abate of Tibhirine a few months before being martyred, is a sublime example: ” If it should happen one day — and it could be today — that I become a victim of the terrorism which now seems ready to engulf all the foreigners living in Algeria, I would like my community, my Church and my family to remember that my life was GIVEN to God and to this country.

I ask them to accept the fact that the One Master of all life was not a stranger to this brutal departure. I would ask them to pray for me: for how could I be found worthy of such an offering? I ask them to associate this death with so many other equally violent ones which are forgotten through indifference or anonymity.

My life has no more value than any other. Nor any less value. In any case, it has not the innocence of childhood. I have lived long enough to know that I am an accomplice in the evil which seems to prevail so terribly in the world, even in the evil which might blindly strike me down.

I should like, when the time comes, to have a moment of spiritual clarity which would allow me to beg forgiveness of God and of my fellow human beings, and at the same time forgive with all my heart the one who would strike me down”. (See the full text that is proposed instead of the patristic reading)

At this point, we only have to pray that in the certainty of God’s love for us we find the answer to those questions that no human wisdom can answer. Let’s pray: “That you love me is the answer to every question – let me hear it when the time of trial comes” (Romano Guardini)

3) The consecrated virgins: witnesses of Providence.

In the preceding two paragraphs I have tried to explain that Divine Providence reveals itself like the walking of God beside man.

Bearing in mind the Old Testament, I tried to show that the words of Christ reach a fullness of meaning even greater. They are said by the Son who, “scrutinizing” all that has been said on the subject of Providence, is a perfect witness of the mystery of his Father: mystery of Providence and paternal care embracing every creature, even the most insignificant, such as field grass or sparrows. Therefore, even more man.

However, it is important to note that each of us should not only be grateful for the provisional action of the Creator towards us, but that we also have the duty to cooperate with the gift received by Providence. Therefore, we cannot content ourselves with the values of the meaning, of the matter and utility. We must look first of all for “the kingdom of God and his justice” because “all these things (the earthly things) will be added “(cf. Mt 6:33).

An example of this co – operation in the design of God’s providential love is the consecration of the virgins, who with the total gift of themselves to God become the reflection of the thought and love of God in things and in history. They let themselves to be impregnated by the wise charity of God and share it with their brothers and sisters in humanity.

That is why the Bishop who presides the Rite of Consecration prays: ” Loving Father, chaste bodies are your temple; you delight in sinless hearts… look with favor on your handmaids. They place in your hands their resolve to live in chastity,… protect those who seek your help…They desire to be strengthened by your blessing and consecration… Through the gift of your Spirit, Lord, give them modesty with right judgment, kindness with true wisdom, gentleness with strength of character, freedom with the grace of chastity. Give them the warmth of love, to love you above all others. Make their lives deserve our praise, without seeking to be praised. May they give you glory by holiness of action and purity of heart. May they love you and fear you; may they love you and serve you… hey have chosen you above all things; may they find all things in possessing you“( Rite of the CONSECRATION TO A LIFE OF VIRGINITY FOR WOMEN LIVING IN THE WORLD).

http://www.theworkofgod.org/Devotns/Euchrist/HolyMass/gospels.asp?key=127

Year A - 12th Sunday in ordinary time

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
Matthew 10:26-33
If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
26 “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known.
27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.
28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted.
31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32 “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven;
33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. (NRSV)

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Have no fear of those who criticize or persecute you because of your faith. They persecuted me and killed me because I did good works and because I came to teach you the truth. They have killed many of my good followers who stood for their faith in me. Those are the martyrs who will be rewarded for having acknowledged me until the end.

The time will come for everything to come to the light of judgment and all those who did good will be rewarded while those who did evil will be punished for their evil deeds.

There is nothing to be afraid of in this world, except falling into sin. To live a life in God demands sacrifice and courage. The world approves evil very easily, and what is good is scorned because it comes from humility. The proud can have their rejoicing now while the humble suffer and struggle, but fools follow the steps of Esau who sold his inheritance for a bowl of soup while the humble imitate my ways and pursue the goals that I set for them.

When you acknowledge me you bring joy to my heart, when you dishonor me you distance yourself from me and reject my love. When you give testimony of my word and live a life by my example you glorify my Father in Heaven and make yourself worthy of being a child of God.

Heaven rejoices for the lives of those who love me, they are the future inhabitants of the eternal kingdom; they are highly appreciated for their good works.

Everything man does is being watched in Heaven, nothing happens without the will of my Heavenly Father. Good and evil will remain in this world until the time when evil will come to judgment and damnation, and good will be rewarded.

So do good while you still can, give praise and honor to God daily, follow my commandments of love until the end. There is nothing for you to fear when you put your trust in me your Lord and Savior.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

Archdiocese of Washington

Decide Now Whom You Will Fear: A Homily for the 12th Sunday of the Year

Msgr. Charles Pope • June 24, 2017 •

The Lord speaks to us today of one of the most central struggles in our life: fear. Yes, fear is one of our deepest drives and though it has a positive purpose, too often we miss the mark in directing its energy. The positive role of fear is to alert us that something is wrong and to divert us from danger. With our fallen nature, though, we often fear the wrong things while lacking a sober fear of the right things. We major in the minors of life; we get all worked up about passing things but do not have a sober and reverent fear of eternal things. We fear sinful and weak human beings, but not God, who is just, who sees all, and who will assign us our eternal destiny.

The Lord thus teaches us today in order to help us to “get fear right.” He sets forth the proper object of our fear, points to the outcome of succeeding or failing in this matter, and reminds us of our proper role in this world as we master our fear.

I. The Object of Fear – Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one … 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.”

Wrong Fear – In speaking to the object of fear, Jesus is asking us to consider what and whom we fear most. We are going to fear someone and something. We are just too tiny and weak to be wholly free of fear. Yes, fear has its place and purpose; the problem is that we often fear the wrong things. We are a bit like Chicken Little, who was afraid of an utterly false threat (that the sky was falling) and in her panic ran right into the wolf, who devoured her.

Jesus is clear: Fear no man. The worst thing a human being can do to you is to kill you physically. Even if that happens, though, if you are faithful, dying is the path to Heaven; it’s a maximum promotion! Maybe people can steal your things or make your brief life here a little less pleasant, but life does not consist in our possessions. As an old gospel hymn says, “Trouble don’t last always.”

In a moment, Jesus will tell us whom we should fear. For now, consider again Jesus’ teaching: Fear no man. Yet the fact is that we do fear human beings. It’s incredible to find out how afraid we are. We’re afraid of everybody and everything! We’re more afraid of men than we are of God. We’re afraid of physical dangers, certainly, but even more so we’re afraid of being rejected by other people; of not being liked by others. We’ll do just about anything to ingratiate ourselves to others and to assuage our fear of being rejected or laughed at. We’ll gossip and lie; we’ll spend a lot of money on clothes, cosmetics, fancy cars, big houses, or the latest iPhone. Desperate to fit in, young people may join gangs, drop out of school, use drugs, fornicate, and/or engage in self-destructive behaviors, all in a desperate quest to be thought “hip” and loved.

Yes, too many of all ages have a mighty fear of rejection and humiliation by other human beings. And because we’re afraid of not being liked, we’ll do almost anything.

Not only does this fear drive us to do many things we shouldn’t, it also keeps us from doing many things we ought to do such as preaching the Gospel and insisting on what is right. Think of the martyrs of old who died professing the faith, and here we are afraid that someone will raise an eyebrow!

Fear is one of the chief habit patterns of sin, and it brings about countless other sins. It has to go.

Thus Jesus says, “Fear no one.” That is, fear no man. Whom do you fear more, men or God? Honestly?

Right Fear – God is the proper object of our fear.

Jesus teaches very provocatively, … rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna …

Some think that this text refers to Satan, but it does not. Luke’s version makes this even clearer: But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him (Luke 12:5).

This cannot be Satan because Satan is not our judge. Although he can tempt us, he has no authority to determine our final destiny. Scripture says that Satan, our accuser, has been cast out (see Rev 12:10). Further, it declares, The Father judges no one, but has consigned all judgment to the Son that the world may revere him (Jn 5:22).

Many are uncomfortable thinking of the Lord in this way. They prefer to think of Him as an affable fellow, a harmless hippie who’s not all that concerned with things like holiness and conversion, and who in the end will just wave everyone through.

This is simply not what Scripture teaches. God is holy, and His holiness exudes a power and glory that we must be purified in order to endure, let alone enjoy. Frankly, Heaven would be a miserable place for anyone who has not been brought up to the temperature of Heaven or been accustomed to the bright light of God’s truth. Heaven is not our personal “designer paradise.” It is the Kingdom of God in all its fullness and with all its values: forgiveness, generosity, love of one’s enemies, chastity, and so forth. There are many who don’t want anything to do with some or any of these values. They are much like the older son in the parable of the prodigal son, the one who stands outside angry and unwilling to the enter the feast given by his father. He finds forgiveness untenable; he loathes the feast because his wayward brother is honored there. Judgment Day is something to have a holy fear about, for it is the day when God will ask this question: “Do you want the Heaven I offer on its terms or not?” On the Day of Judgment, God will assess what our decision has amounted. He will either welcome us into the feast or close the door and consign us to the “other arrangements” we ourselves have made and perversely preferred. Jesus says, As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him… The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day (John 12:47-48).

Balanced Fear – This proper fear is not a cringing one, rooted only in the dread of punishment (though if that’s all you’ve got, go with it). Rather, it is a reverential fear that remembers God’s love for us and His desire to save us. Jesus says, 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.

Although this proper fear remembers God’s love and does not give way to the imbalance of purely servile fear, neither does it swing to the other imbalance, which disregards the loving respect we should have for God and His holiness. God is who He is and Heaven is what it is. We simply cannot endure such realities without being purified and prepared for them first. God must have our repentance in order to do the work necessary to enable us for Heaven’s brightness and His fiery glory.

A reverential and balanced fear acknowledges God’s love and mercy, but also His awesome glory. Such a fear takes seriously our need to prepare for judgment and to avail ourselves of God’s graces in the sacraments, the Liturgy, His Word, and prayer.

II. The Outcome of Fear – Jesus adds, There is nothing that is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known … 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.

Our fear is going to have an outcome for either good or ill. If we have the wrong fear (fearing man more than God), it will lead us to silence and even outright denial of God and His truth before others. Fearing the opinion of the world and human beings more than God makes us silent and too easily conformed to a world opposed to Him. This amounts to a tacit denial (by silence) or to an outright denial wherein we publicly scorn God and/or His revealed truth in order to ingratiate ourselves to this world. The consequence of this denial is Jesus’ affirmation of our denial of God the Day of Judgment. The martyrs and confessors of the faith shine brightly before God, but we cannot endure their brightness because we have hidden out in the dark places and preferred the darkness of error to the light of truth.

If we have the right fear, we want to please God rather than man. We delight in representing Him and His teachings before others, even joyfully enduring the world’s scorn. If we fear God, we fear no one else. If we can kneel before God, we can stand before any man. If we fearlessly, charitably, and joyfully acknowledge God before others, we will be acknowledged before God the Father as someone who truly sought Him and witnessed to Him. A proper and balanced fear brings an outcome of glory and happiness. An improper fear (of man rather than God) brings denial, because we fear and prefer the opinions of men and this world rather than God. On Judgment Day the Lord will acknowledge our preference to His Father.

For a good outcome, make sure you have the right and balanced fear!

III. The Office of Holy Fear – What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

The Lord is summoning us to speak fearlessly to the world on account of a holy fear of Him.

1. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak the gospel of God to you. … We speak … not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts. As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else (1 Thess 2:2-6).

2. Do you think I am seeking the approval of men, or of God?… I would not be a servant of Christ (Gal 1:10).

3. From henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the brand marks of the Lord Jesus (Gal 6:17).

4. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

What about you? Do you speak the word of God to an often-scoffing world? Or do you fear the world more than God, and therefore stay silent, hiding out? If we reverently fear God more than the world, then we will speak out even in the face of opposition. We love the Lord more than we love the world. Therefore, we speak!

Summation – Make sure you fear the right thing, in this case the right One. Here is what Jesus teaches: Do not fear man. Rather, have a holy reverent fear of God. Get fear right. Stop getting so anxious about what mere mortals think of you. Your destiny will hinge on getting fear right. Fear the Lord; acknowledge Him before men and proclaim His world, and you be acknowledged greatly by him in Heaven. If you fear men and the world, just watch how quickly cave in, compromise, and deny the Lord, preferring worldly trinkets and the praise to eternal glories. But if you go that route, that’s all you’ll get. Beware, the Lord will one day have to acknowledge your preference: “Father He denied. He said no to our offer.”

Decide now whom you will fear. Your destiny depends on that decision.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Jeremiah 20:10-13 II: Romans 5:12-15

Gospel
Matthew 10:26-33

²⁶ "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops.
²⁸ And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will.
³⁰ But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
³¹ Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
³² So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven;
³³ but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Interesting Details

(vv.26-27) In the Jewish society of those days, with so many social interactions and so much emphasis on honor, secrecy was very important to protect personal and family honor. Honor means how people judge you. Jesus changed this around in verses 32-34: Honor means how God judges you. With that new meaning, secrecy is no longer so important.
(v.28) Fear God's power, not human beings'.
(vv.29-30) God takes care of the smallest things, so we need not worry.

One Main Point

Do not be afraid. Jesus repeated that 3 times. We need not fear mere human beings. We should fear God alone.

Reflections

Examine my fears. What are they? What do I have to hide, and from whom?
What is the worst possible case when everyone knows my bad secrets?
Ask Jesus to explain what he means to me when he repeatedly says "do not be afraid."
Do I experience new freedom in God's honor rather than human beings'?

'True consolations and divine lights are always accompanied by a deep humility and such a knowledge of self and of God that we put ourselves under the feet of all. Moreover, they impart sometimes, though not always, clear understanding of heavenly things, along with peace, joy, the love of virtue, and a longing for grace.'

St. Paul of the Cross

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28)

"Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb"
(Lk 1:42).

These words are so timely for our days.

Wishing a blessed Sunday to all reading this thread.

Matthew
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Matthew 10
26.	Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known.	Ne ergo timueritis eos. Nihil enim est opertum, quod non revelabitur : et occultum, quod non scietur.	μη ουν φοβηθητε αυτους ουδεν γαρ εστιν κεκαλυμμενον ο ουκ αποκαλυφθησεται και κρυπτον ο ου γνωσθησεται
27.	That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops.	Quod dico vobis in tenebris, dicite in lumine : et quod in aure auditis, prædicate super tecta.	ο λεγω υμιν εν τη σκοτια ειπατε εν τω φωτι και ο εις το ους ακουετε κηρυξατε επι των δωματων
28.	And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell.	Et nolite timere eos qui occidunt corpus, animam autem non possunt occidere : sed potius timete eum, qui potest et animam et corpus perdere in gehennam.	και μη φοβεισθε απο των αποκτενοντων το σωμα την δε ψυχην μη δυναμενων αποκτειναι φοβηθητε δε μαλλον τον δυναμενον και [την] ψυχην και [το] σωμα απολεσαι εν γεεννη
29.	Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father.	Nonne duo passeres asse veneunt ? et unus ex illis non cadet super terram sine Patre vestro.	ουχι δυο στρουθια ασσαριου πωλειται και εν εξ αυτων ου πεσειται επι την γην ανευ του πατρος υμων
30.	But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.	Vestri autem capilli capitis omnes numerati sunt.	υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν
31.	Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows.	Nolite ergo timere : multis passeribus meliores estis vos.	μη ουν φοβηθητε πολλων στρουθιων διαφερετε υμεις
32.	Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.	Omnis ergo qui confitebitur me coram hominibus, confitebor et ego eum coram Patre meo, qui in cælis est.	πας ουν οστις ομολογησει εν εμοι εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων ομολογησω καγω εν αυτω εμπροσθεν του πατρος μου του εν ουρανοις
33.	But he that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.	Qui autem negaverit me coram hominibus, negabo et ego eum coram Patre meo, qui in cælis est.	οστις δ αν αρνησηται με εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων αρνησομαι αυτον καγω εμπροσθεν του πατρος μου του εν ουρανοις

26. Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not he known.
27. What I tell you in darkness, that speak you in light: and what you hear in the ear, that preach you upon the housetops.
28. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

REMIG. To the foregoing consolation He adds another no less, saying, Fear you not them, namely, the persecutors. And why they were not to fear, He adds, For there is nothing hid which shall not be revealed, nothing secret which shall not be known.

JEROME; How is it then that in the present world, the sins of so many are unknown? It is of the time to come that this is said; the time when God shall judge the hidden things of men, shall enlighten the hidden places of darkness, and shall make manifest the secrets of hearts. The sense is, Fear not the cruelty of the persecutor, or the rage of the blasphemer, for there shall come a day of judgment in which your virtue and their wickedness will be made known.

HILARY; Therefore neither threatening, nor evil speaking, nor power of their enemies should move them, seeing the judgment-day will disclose how empty, how nought all these were.

CHRYS. Otherwise; It might seem that what is here said should be applied generally; but it is by no means intended as a general maxim, but is spoken solely with reference to what had gone before with this meaning; If you are grieved when men revile you, think that in a little time you will be delivered from this evil. They call you indeed impostors, sorcerers, seducers, but have a little patience, and all men shall call you the saviors of the world, when in the course of things you shall be found to have been their benefactors, for men will not judge by their words but by the truth of things.

REMIG. Some indeed think that these words convey a promise from our Lord to His disciples, that through them all hidden mysteries should be revealed, which lay beneath the veil of the letter of the Law; whence the Apostle speaks, When they have turned to Christ, then the veil shall be taken away. So the sense would be, Ought you to fear your persecutors, when you are thought worthy that by you the hidden mysteries of the Law and the Prophets should be made manifest?

CHRYS. Then having delivered them from all fear, and set them above all calumny, He follows this up appropriately with commanding that their preaching should be free and unreserved; What I say to you in darkness, that speak you in the light; what you hear in the ear, that preach you upon the housetops.

JEROME; We do not read that the Lord was wont to discourse to them by might, or to deliver his doctrine in the dark; but He said this because all His discourse is dark to the carnal, and His word night to the unbelieving. What had been spoken by Him they were to deliver again with the confidence of faith and confession.

REMIG. The meaning therefore is, What I say to you in darkness, that is, among the unbelieving Jews, that speak you in the light, that is, preach it to the believing; what you hear in the ear, that is, what I say to you secretly, that preach you upon the housetops, that is, openly before all men. It is a common phrase, To speak in one's ear, that is, to speak to him privately.

RABAN. And what He says, Preach you upon the housetops, is spoken after the manner of the province of Palestine, where they use to sit upon the roofs of the houses, which are not pointed but flat. That then may be said to be preached upon the housetops which is spoken in the hearing of all men.

GLOSS. Otherwise; What I say to you while you are yet held under carnal fear, that or speak you in the confidence of truth, after you shall be enlightened by the Holy Spirit; what you have only heard, that preach by doing the same, being raised above your bodies, which are the dwellings of your souls.

JEROME; Otherwise; What you hear in mystery, that teach in plainness of speech; what I have taught you in a corner of Judea, that proclaim boldly in all quarters of the world.

CHRYS. As He said, He that believes in me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater things than these shall he do; so here He shows that life works all things through them more than through Himself; as though He had said, I have made a beginning, but what is beyond, that I will to complete through your means. So that this is not a command but a prediction, showing them that they shall overcome all things.

HILARY; Therefore they ought to inculcate constantly the knowledge of God, and the profound secret of evangelic doctrine, to be revealed by the light of preaching; having no fear of those who have power only over the body, but cannot reach the soul; Fear not those that kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.

CHRYS. Observe how He sets them above all others, encouraging them to set at nought cares, reproaches, perils, yes even the most terrible of all things, death itself, in comparison of the fear of God. But rather fear him, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

JEROME; This word is not found in the Old Scriptures, but it is first used by the Savior. Let us inquire then into its origin. We read in more than one place that the idol Baal was near Jerusalem, at the foot of Mount Moriah, by which the brook Siloe flows. This valley and a small level plain was watered and woody, a delightful spot, and a grove in it was consecrated to the idol. To so great folly and madness had the people of Israel come, that, forsaking the neighborhood of the Temple, they offered their sacrifices there, and concealing an austere ritual under a voluptuous life, they burned their sons in honor of a demon. This place was called Gehennom, that is, The valley of the children of Hinnom. These things are fully described in Kings and Chronicles, and the Prophet Jeremiah. God threatens that He will fill the place with the carcasses of the dead, that it be no more called Tophet and Baal, but Polyandrion, i.e. The tomb of the dead. Hence the torments and eternal pains with which sinners shall be punished are signified by this word.

AUG. This cannot be before the soul is so joined to the body, that nothing may sever them. Yet it is rightly called the death of the soul, because it does not live of God; and the death of the body, because though man does not cease to feel, yet because this his feeling has neither pleasure, nor health, but is a pain and a punishment, it is better named death than life.

CHRYS. Note also, that He does not hold out to them deliverance from death, but encourages them to despise it; which is a much greater thing than to be rescued from death; also this discourse aids in fixing in their minds the doctrine of immortality.

29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31. Fear you not therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.

CHRYS. Having set aside fear of death, that the Apostles should not think that if they were put to death they were deserted by God, He passes to discourse of God's providence, saying, Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and one of them does not fall to the ground with out your Father?

JEROME; If these little creations fall not without God's superintendence and providence, and if things made to perish, perish not without God's will, you who are immortal ought not to fear that you live without His providence.

HILARY; Figuratively; That which is sold is our soul and body, and that to which it is sold, is sin. They then who sell two sparrows for a farthing, are they who sell themselves for the smallest sin, born for flight, and for reaching heaven with spiritual wings. Caught by the bait of present pleasures, and sold to the enjoyment of the world, they barter away their whole selves in such a market. It is of the will of God that one of them rather soar aloft; but the law proceeding according to God's appointment decrees that one of them should fall. In like manner as, if they soared aloft they would become one spiritual body; so, when sold under sin, the soul gathers earthly matter from the pollution of vice, and there is made of them one body which is committed to earth.

JEROME; That He says, The hairs of your head are all numbered, shows the boundless providence of God towards man, and a care unspeakable that nothing of ours is hid from God.

HILARY; For when any thing is numbered it is carefully watched over.

CHRYS. Not that God reckons our hairs, but to show His diligent knowledge, and great carefulness over us.

JEROME. Those who deny the resurrection of the flesh ridicule the sense of the Church on this place, as if we affirmed that every hair that has ever been cut off by the razor rises again, when the Savior says, Every hair of your head - not is saved, but - is numbered. Where there is number, knowledge of that number is implied, but not preservation of the same hairs.

AUG. Though we may fairly inquire concerning our hair, whether all that has ever been shorn from us will return; for who would not dread such disfigurement. When it is once understood that nothing of our body shall be lost, so as that the form and perfectness of all the parts should be preserved, we at the same time understand that all that would have disfigured our body is to be united or taken up by the whole mass, not affixed to particular parts so as to destroy the frame of the limbs; just as a vessel made of clay, and again reduced to clay, is once more reformed into a vessel, it needs not that that portion of clay which had formed the handle should again form it, or that which had composed the bottom, should again go to the bottom, so long as the whole was remolded into the whole, the whole clay into the whole vessel, no part being lost. Wherefore if the hair so often shorn away would be a deformity if restored to the place it had been taken from, it will not be restored to that place, but all the materials of the old body will be revived in the new, whatever place they may occupy so as to preserve the mutual fitness of parts. Though what is said in Luke, Not a hair of your head shall fall to the ground, may be taken of the number, not the length of the hairs, as here also it is said, The hairs of your head are all numbered.

HILARY; For it is an unworthy task to number things that are to perish. Therefore that we should know that nothing of us should perish, we are told that our very hairs are numbered. No accident then that can befall our bodies is to be feared; thus He adds, Fear not, you are better than many sparrows.

JEROME; This expresses still more clearly the sense as it was above explained, that they should not fear those who can kill the body, for if the least animal falls not without God's knowledge, how much less a man who is dignified with the Apostolic rank?

HILARY; Or this, you are better than many sparrows, teaches that the elect faithful are better than the multitude of the unbelieving, for the one fall to earth, the other fly to heaven.

REMIG. Figuratively; Christ is the head, the Apostles the hairs, who are well said to be numbered, because the names of the saints are written in heaven.

32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

CHRYS. The Lord having banished that fear which haunted the minds of His disciples, adds further comfort in what follows, not only casting out fear, but by hope of greater rewards encouraging them to a free proclamation of the truth, saying, Every man who shall confess me before men, I also will confess him before my Father which is in heaven. And it is not properly shall confess me, but as it is in the Greek, shall confess in me, showing that it is not by your own strength but by grace from above, that you confess Him whom you do confess.

HILARY; This He says in conclusion, because it beboves them after being confirmed by such teaching, to have a confident freedom in confessing God.

REMIG. Here is to be understood that confession of which the Apostle speaks, With the heart men believe into justification, with the mouth confession is made to salvation. That none therefore might suppose that he could be saved without confession of the mouth, He says not only, He that shall confess me, but adds, before men; and again, He that shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

HILARY; This teaches us, that in what measure we have borne witness to Him upon earth, in the same shall we have Him to bear witness to us in heaven before the face of God the Father.

CHRYS. Here observe that the punishment is manifold more than the evil done, and the reward more than the good done. As much as to say, your deed was more abundant in confessing or denying Me here; so shall My deed to you-ward be more abundant in confessing or denying you there. Wherefore if you have done any good thing, and have not received retribution, be not troubled, for a manifold reward awaits you in the time to come. And if you have done any evil, and have not paid the punishment thereof, do not think that you have escaped, for punishment will overtake you, unless you are changed and become better.

RABAN. It should be known that not even Pagans can deny the existence of God, but the infidels may deny that the Son as well as the Father is God. The Son confesses men before the Father, because by the Son we have access to the Father, and because the Son said, Come, you blessed of my Father.

REMIG. And thus He will deny the man that has denied Him, in that he shall not have access to the Father through Him, and shall be banished from seeing either the Son or the Father in their divine nature.

CHRYS. He not only requires faith which is of the mind, but confession which is by the mouth, that He may exalt us higher, and raise us to a more open utterance, and a larger measure of love. For this is spoken not to the Apostles only, but to all; He gives strength not to them only, but to their disciples. And he that observes this precept will not only teach with free utterance, but will easily convince all; for the observance of this command drew many to the Apostles.

RABAN. Or, He confesses Jesus who by that faith that works by love, obediently fulfills His commands; he denies Him who is disobedient.

Catena Aurea Matthew 10

St Paul Preaching in Athens

Raffaello Sanzio

1515
Tempera on paper, mounted on canvas, 390 x 440 cm
Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia

Fr. Don Miller, OFM

Image: Grave Monument for Jutta, wife of count Louis II of Thuringia | Saint George parish Church, Thuringia | photographed by Wolfgang Sauber

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia

Saint of the Day for June 25

(d. c. 1260)

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia’s Story

Today’s patroness of Prussia began her life amidst luxury and power but died the death of a simple servant of the poor.

In truth, virtue and piety were always of prime importance to Jutta and her husband, both of noble rank. The two were set to make a pilgrimage together to the holy places in Jerusalem, but her husband died on the way. The newly widowed Jutta, after taking care to provide for her children, resolved to live in a manner she felt was utterly pleasing to God. She disposed of the costly clothes, jewels, and furniture befitting one of her rank, and became a Secular Franciscan, taking on the simple garment of a religious.

From that point her life was utterly devoted to others: caring for the sick, particularly lepers; tending to the poor, whom she visited in their hovels; helping the crippled and blind with whom she shared her own home. Many of the townspeople of Thuringia laughed at how the once-distinguished lady now spent all her time. But Jutta saw the face of God in the poor and felt honored to render whatever services she could.

About the year 1260, not long before her death, Jutta lived near the non-Christians in eastern Germany. There she built a small hermitage and prayed unceasingly for their conversion. She has been venerated for centuries as the special patron of Prussia.

Reflection

Jesus once said that a camel can pass through a needle’s eye more easily than a rich person can enter God’s realm. That’s pretty scary news for us. We may not have great fortunes, but we who live in the West enjoy a share of the world’s goods that people in the rest of the world cannot imagine. Much to the amusement of her neighbors, Jutta disposed of her wealth after her husband’s death and devoted her life to caring for those who had no means. Should we follow her example, people will probably laugh at us, too. But God will smile.

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia is the Patron Saint of:

Prussia

Information: St. William of Vercelli

Feast Day: June 25

Born: 1085 at Vercelli, Italy

Died: 25 June 1142 at Guglietto, Italy

Holy Spirit Interactive Kids: A Saint a Day

St. William of Monte Vergine

Feast Day: June 25
Born: 1085 :: Died: 1142

William was born into a wealthy family at Vercelli in Italy. His parents died when he was a baby and he was raised by relatives. When William was fourteen, he went on a pilgrimage to Saintiago de Compostela in Spain. There he decided that he wanted to live only for God and became a hermit.

One day he worked a miracle where he healed a blind man, and suddenly found himself famous. William was too humble to be happy with the people's admiration. He really wanted to remain a hermit so that he could give all his attention to God. He went away to live alone on a high, wild mountain. No one would bother him now.

But even there he was not left alone. Men gathered around the saint and they built a monastery dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. His followers became monks at the monastery. Because of William's monastery, people named the mountain, the Mountain of the Virgin.

After a while, some of the monks began to complain that life at the monastery was too hard. They wanted better food and easier work. William would not relax the rule for himself. Instead, he chose a new head for the monks. Then he and five faithful followers set out to start another monastery, as strict as they were used to.

One of his companions was St. John of Mantua. Both William and John of Mantua were leaders and great friends, but they saw things differently. They soon realized that they would do better if they split up, each to start a monastery. John went east and William went west. They both did very well. In fact, both became saints.

Later, William became the advisor of King Roger I of Naples and the king helped St. William in return. William's good influence on the king made some evil men of the court very jealous. They tried to prove to the king that William was evil, that he was hiding behind a holy habit.

They sent a bad woman to tempt William to sin, but she failed. Instead she was sorry for what she had done. She repented and gave up her life of sin. St. William died on June 25, 1142 at Guglietto in Italy.

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Sunday, June 25

Liturgical Color: Green

Today is the optional memorial
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Devotion to Mary is traced to
Apostolic times. Paintings in the
catacombs of the earliest
Christians show the developing
reverence to her.

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: June 25th

Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time

MASS READINGS

June 25, 2017 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

Father, guide and protector of your people, grant us an unfailing respect for your name, and keep us always in your love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Recipes (1)

Spring or Summer Sunday Dinner (Sample Menu)

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Activities (1)

Miniature Mystical Body -- Raising Children to Be Adults

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Prayers (2)

Book of Blessings: Blessing of Fathers on Father's Day (3rd Sunday of June)
Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Ordinary Time (2nd Plan)
Old Calendar: Third Sunday after Pentecost; Fathers Day
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" (Matt 10:26-28).
Click here for commentary on the readings in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah 20:10-13. This reading has the tone and force of a lamentation psalm where persecutors are all around the just man, and his only strength is the Lord himself. — A Celebrants Guide to the New Sacramentary - A Cycle by Kevin W. Irwin
The second reading is from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans 5:12-15. St. Paul is speaking of some of the immediate effects of Christian salvation, as brought to mankind by Christ. St. Paul stresses the fact that Christ through his death not only conquered sin but poured out divine grace so abundantly and lavishly on mankind, making them his brothers and therefore sons of God, that there is no comparison between the world redeemed by Christ's death and the world of sin which prevailed up to then. — The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.
The Gospel is from St. Matthew 10:26-33. What our Lord said to His Apostles applies to all Christians in the practice of their faith. By the very fact of living our faith openly and fully we are apostles by example. If we are always truthful and faithful to our promises, if we are honest in all our dealings, if as employers we pay a just wage and treat those working for us not as "hands" but as whole men and women, if as employees we give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay, if we live chaste lives whether in single life or in marriage, we are true Christians. Above all, if we have true love of God and show our appreciation of all that he has done for us, and if we prove that love, by helping his other children, our neighbors, we are a light shining in the darkness, because we are helping others to see the true meaning of the Christian religion.
This true light is needed more today perhaps than ever before. Our world is three quarters pagan or neo-pagan. The neo-pagans are those who once were Christians but abandoned their religion, sometimes through their own fault, but more often than not, because of the bad example they were given by their fellow Christians. These are worse off spiritually than the pagans who have never heard of Christ or the true God. These latter have at least some idols, some ancestral deities, to whom they pay respect. The neo-pagans have only themselves to venerate, and they can find little spiritual uplift in this form of religion.
A large majority of today's teenagers, in most so-called Christian countries, have come to despise, or at least to neglect, the religion of their ancestors. In most cases the cause of this is that Christianity was never really put into practice in their own homes. There are cases of very black sheep coming out of very white Christian homes, but these are cases of weak personality—they prefer to follow the mob rather than try to force their way against it. On the whole, the decline of religion among today's youth is due to bad example from their elders.
In today's gospel message, our Lord is asking each one of us to be a fearless apostle. We will be, if we live up to our religion at home and abroad. "Have no fear of men," He tells us, "don't mind what your fellowmen think of you, if you object to obscene language in your work-place. Don't fear what will be thought of you if you say your grace before and after meals in a public restaurant or hotel. Don't take that extra drink just because your companions at the party might ridicule your control ..."
These acts and many others like them, may seem trivial to some but they are giving testimony to the faith that is in us. Those who scoff at such things at first, may begin later to look into their own hearts, and come to realize what it is to be a man of principle. Eventually they may become men of principle themselves.
Let us remember our Lord's promise "Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven."
Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 10:26-33

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father. (Matthew 10:33)

Most of Jesus’ words are encouraging and inspiring. But occasionally, he says something that shakes us up. For example, Jesus told us that our righteousness had better not be like that of the Pharisees, or we will not get into heaven (Matthew 5:20). He told us that unless we eat his Body and drink his Blood, we will not have eternal life (John 6:54). He even said, “Woe to you who are rich” (Luke 6:24).

Of course Jesus is a God of mercy and love. But today’s Gospel is one of those seemingly harsh messages that make us worry about our eternal happiness. What are we supposed to do with statements like these?

Let’s look at St. Peter. He, the “Rock” of the Church, denied that he even knew Jesus! But rather than scolding Peter or saying, “I am going to deny you before my Father,” Jesus simply asked Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15, 16, 17). He knew that Peter felt deep remorse. He knew that Peter had wept bitter tears of sadness over his weakness. So Jesus’ question was clearly an invitation to reconciliation.

In a similar way, Jesus knows that we are all weak. He knows that we all betray him in one way or another. And he treats us just as he treated Peter.

The key to understanding this unsettling passage from the Gospel is this: Where is your heart? Peter loved Jesus. He wanted nothing more than to serve Jesus. He wasn’t a coward. He was just a human being, and human beings can be overcome by fear and temptation at times.

So for Peter, as well as for all of us, this is the important distinction: Are you a sinner who doesn’t know how to love God? Or are you a lover of God who falls into sin? Peter was a lover of God. So were all the other apostles who fled at Jesus’ arrest. They may have failed Jesus at that moment, but Jesus never failed them. And he won’t fail us!

“Jesus, I love you. Teach me to remain steadfast.”

Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
Romans 5:12-15

A Christian Pilgrim

JESUS COUNSELS US TO BE STRONG-WILLED, PRUDENT, PERSEVERING AND FILLED WITH FAITH

(A biblical refection on THE 12th ORDINARY SUNDAY (YEAR A) – 25 June 2017)

Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:26-33

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalms: Psalm 69:8-10,14,7,33-35; Second Reading: Romans 5:12-15

The Scripture Text

“So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the house-tops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. So every time who acknowledges Me before men, I also acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:26-33)

Jeremiah was a very unhappy and persecuted man, as the book of Scripture which bears his name tells us. Although he desperately tried to do what was right – and precisely because he did – he was denounced, gossiped about and tormented. His condemners constantly tried to maneuver him into a trap.

Many people today suffer the same fate as Jeremiah, especially those with public responsibilities. They are often the objects of vicious attacks and merciless gossiping. These are the odious tactics of small, vicious people too stupid and cowardly to face their supposed opponents and voice their objections in person.

If a person is continually subjected to harassments it can cause them to become bitter and filled with hate. When we meet a disgusted person with a negative attitude about most things, very likely they have been fashioned by someone’s viciousness.

Contrast the reading from Jeremiah with that from the Gospel of Matthew. Here we encounter a bright and cheerful mood, with optimistic thoughts and feelings. Jesus says: “Do not let men intimidate you.” The Lord promoted long ago the type positive thinking which is so common in our time. We have numerous books, tapes and lectures available today, presented by dynamic achievers who want to convey to others their secrets of success. They say that attitude is the most important factor in determining our degree of happiness and success.

If we have a poor and negative attitude toward our jobs, other people and life in general, then we are prone to failure On the other hand, if we exhibit a positive, strong and aggressive attitude toward our tasks, then we will succeed.

The Lord’s insistence that others not intimidate us is so very current and correct. Why should others be permitted to put us down and make us feel inferior? No one is sin-proof and no one lives a life without making poor judgments and other mistakes. Remembering that we are as good as the next person (and especially that God has told us that we are personally worth more than a flock of sparrows) should help us to raise our self-esteem if it has fallen.

Someone has said that it is our attitude rather than our aptitude which will determine our altitude. Jesus counsels us to be strong-willed, prudent, persevering and filled with faith. If God loves His created birds so much that not one will fall without His consent, then we should rejoice that He loves us “more than a whole flock of sparrows.”

When we have to contend with the whisperings and gossip which surely will come our way, we need not be defeated, for the Lord commands us to be unintimidated. Regardless of the evil forces which pull us down, His graces are far stronger to lift us up.

(Adapted from Rev. James McKarns, GO TELL EVERYONE, pages 60-61)

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your counseling us to be strong-willed, prudent, persevering and filled with faith. Amen.

Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for June 25, 2017:

“Even all the hairs on your head are counted.” (Mt 10:30) Isn’t it so easy to get caught up in the worries of everyday life? In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of God the Father’s unending care for us. Give Him your worries, whether big or small, and trust in His providence.

What is Secret Will Be Made Known

Pastor’s Column

12^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 25, 2017

“Jesus said to the Twelve:

Fear no one. Nothing is secret that will not be revealed;

no secret that will not be made known.”

Matthew 10:26-27

The time will come for each of us, at the moment of death, and later, at the last judgment when Christ assembles all the nations around him and explains everything, when we will each know the truth about what has been happening throughout human history and our own lives. What we have repented of will not be judged, but we may still see the effects of our actions, our place and mission in the world. Those who thought they got away with something in their lives that was evil are in for a very big surprise! And isn’t it true that even in life, the truth usually becomes known? We have been told in advance: everything in our lives is watched by God!

I had an interesting experience of this when I was in my 20s and working for American Airlines. My grandmother wanted to go to her 50^th High School reunion in Akron, Ohio (she lived in San Diego) on one of my airline passes, but she didn’t want to go alone. So I accompanied her and had a (very boring!) week in Akron, Ohio.

All during my growing up years in Akron, when my grandparents would argue, my grandmother would bring up the fact that she could have married this classmate of hers named Richard Fisher; he was wealthy, he had asked her to marry him, she would have been happier with him. I developed an intense dislike for this man’s name!

When I dropped my grandmother off at her reunion, I stopped briefly in the foyer of the ballroom and looked back at the poignant gathering, glad I could make this possible for her. A man was there, walking in. He said to me jokingly, “My, you are very well preserved for being a member of our class.” I said in reply, “Oh, well I am the grandson of Mary Smith” and I gave him her name. He said, “Well, I am very pleased to meet you; I am Richard Fisher.” Somehow I managed to keep my composure, to be actually in the presence of the almost mythical figure of Richard Fisher, the man whose name had come up so often. He repeated my grandmother’s name several times and then said, “Well, I don’t remember who that was, we probably weren’t friends! And I heard the Lord say to me, “Well, I thought you ought to know the truth of the matter, but don’t tell your grandmother you know the real story!”

Let us strive to serve the Lord in purity and zeal; he knows everything we have gone through; many secrets will one day be made known, but the greatest secret he wishes to be made known now is how much the Lord loves us.

Father Gary

June 25, 2017

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Jer 20:10-13

Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35

Reading 2 Rom 5:12-15

Alleluia Jn 15:26b, 27a

Gospel Mt 10:26-33

Witnesses of Providence

Decide Now Whom You Will Fear: A Homily for the 12th Sunday of the Year

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia

Saint of the Day for June 25

(d. c. 1260)

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia’s Story

Reflection

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia is the Patron Saint of:

St. William of Monte Vergine

Ordinary Time: June 25th

Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time

MASS READINGS

COLLECT PRAYER

Recipes (1)

Activities (1)

Prayers (2)

Meditation: Matthew 10:26-33

What is Secret Will Be Made Known

Pastor’s Column

12^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 25, 2017