Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
June 21, 2026 – 10:30 AM
Saint Cecilia Catholic Community
Deacon Sharon Kay Talley
Jeremiah 20:10-13 | Psalm 69:8-10,14,17,33-45
Romans 5:12-15 | Matthew 10:26-33
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
What does Jesus tell His disciples three times in today’s Gospel? “Do not be afraid.”
Fear is one of the most powerful forces in life. We fear failure, rejection, criticism, illness, uncertainty, loss, and death. We also fear what others think of us. Sometimes we even fear speaking openly about our faith. Fear can silence us, paralyze us, and prevent us from becoming the people God calls us to be.
One of the greatest Bible stories of overcoming fear can be found in the Old Testament’s Book of Judges: the story of Gideon.
Gideon saw himself as the least of his father’s house and in his clan the weakest in all Israel. He hid from the Midianites in a winepress, cowering in doubt and fear. Gideon saw weakness in himself where God saw a mighty man of valor.
Because Gideon’s vision of himself changed, he led Israel to a victory even though they were greatly outnumbered. Faith strengthened him against the enemy.
In our Gospel today, Jesus has warned His disciples that they will face opposition, rejection, and even persecution because of their faith. He is preparing them for the reality that following Him is not easy. But in the midst of these warnings, He repeats: “Fear no one” and “Do not be afraid.”
Jesus understands our fears. That is why He does not simply tell us to be brave. Instead, He gives us reasons not to be afraid. He does this by reminding us that God knows us completely. Jesus tells us that even the hairs of our head are counted. This miraculous image reveals God’s intimate care for each person. We are not anonymous in God’s eyes. We are not forgotten. All our triumphs, struggles, and fears are known to Him.
In a world where many people feel insignificant or overlooked, this message is deeply comforting. Our true value does not come from our achievements, our wealth, or the opinions of others. Our true value comes from being loved by God.
Jesus also reminds us that God’s truth will ultimately prevail. “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed.” Lies, injustice, and evil may seem powerful for a time, but they do not have the final word. God’s truth and light will overcome all darkness.
This gives courage to those who strive to live according to the Gospel We may not always see immediate results. We may face misunderstanding or ridicule. Yet we trust that God is at work and His truth will endure.
Jesus also calls us to be public witnesses. “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father”. Faith is personal, but never private. We are called to bring Jesus into our families, churches, workplaces, schools, and communities.
Jesus calls us to daily acts of courage. We acknowledge Him when we defend the dignity of others, when we forgive instead of seeking revenge, when we choose honesty over convenience, when we stand for what is right even when it is unpopular.
The Saints understood this well. Their courage did not come from their own strength, but from their trust in God. They knew that the Lord who had called them would also sustain them.
Today’s first reading offers a powerful example in the prophet Jeremiah. He faced opposition, ridicule, and threats because he spoke God’s Word. Yet despite his suffering, he could still proclaim: “The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.” Jeremiah’s confidence came not from his circumstances, but from God’s presence. The same Lord who stood beside Jeremiah stands beside us today.
Perhaps some among us are carrying heavy burdens. Perhaps there are fears about health, family members, finances, or the future. Jesus speaks directly to those fears and says once again, “Do not be afraid.” Not because life will be free from difficulties, but because Jesus is with us in every difficulty.
When fear knocks at the door of our hearts, faith answers. Faith reminds us that we belong to God and that we are precious in His sight, and that nothing can separate us from His love.
Jesus used the phrase, “You are worth more than many sparrows,” to reassure His followers of their immense value to God. In Jesus’ day, sparrows were the cheapest birds sold in the market—often bought by the poor for mere pennies as food or temple sacrifices. Yet Jesus noted that not a single one falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge.
Today, as we celebrate the Eucharist, let us place our fears before Jesus. Let us ask for the grace to trust Him more deeply and to witness Him more courageously. And may we leave Saint Cecilia’s today strengthened by the words of Jesus:
“Do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Amen