SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2026 TWELFTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (A)
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 20: 10-13
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 69:7-9.13 and 16.32-34 (R. 13c)
SECOND READING: Romans 5:12-15
GOSPEL: Matthew 10:26-33
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Fear is a Weapon that Destroys
Preparation destroys fears and this is why Jesus kept teaching us the Way of Faith.
Fear make you forget the person you are or meant to be.
Fear fights your very purpose of existence and your loyalty to God.
Fear makes people stick to religion and reject the Holy Spirit.
Fear teaches you your reality is what you see.
Faith teaches you your reality is what God said about you.
Faith gives you the assurance that fear steals.
Faith shows you how but fear stops you from trying.
Faith allows us listen to God but fear makes us reject the counsel of God.
Faith makes us selfless but fear makes us selfish.
Faith makes us Love but fear instils hatred (abi u no get village pipu😂?)
You are Worth more than Birds ...God can take care of that situation. Reach out with Faith.
If you can think it then you can become it !!!
Holy Spirit strengthen my Faith in Jesus Mighty Name Amen.
SR VERONICA QUEEN AMAECHI, FSP
From the second reading, we see a comparison between Adam and Christ. While Adam represented sin and death, Christ is the grace that restored humanity to God.
One thing then is certain, no matter what it takes, in the struggle between good and evil, good will always conquer evil.
Both the first reading and the Gospel talk about persecution. Like the prophets before him, Jeremiah too had to undergo strong persecution. His own persecution was because the people couldn't stand the truth he constantly told them, their evil could no longer be hidden especially with Jeremiah representing the light of God and weighing on their consciences their only reaction was to oppose him and even plot to destroy him. Such attitude is seen even in the time of Christ. Little wonder, Jesus reassures his disciples, that, though they would have to face persecution for his sake, they would never be abandoned by his heavenly Father. Persecution for all his followers would be like a cloak which they must wear, but they need to be firm in their belief, and keep on proclaiming from the rooftops, all that he had taught them. Even if they are killed, their souls cannot be killed, and he will acknowledge them before his Father in heaven.
In the gospel acclamation, we are once again reminded that, we too are witnesses to the Spirit of Truth that is within us.
When we face difficulties in our time, when we are taunted for doing the right thing, for speaking up against evil, do we like the Psalmist today, cry out to God to answer us in his great mercy? Or do we abandon the truth out of fear or shame of being called names?
Are we more interested in the number of following and likes on social media, that we forget that zeal for God and his will should always consume us?
When the going gets tough, do we remember that God-seeking heart will be revived and the poor when they see will rejoice, and so pray earnestly to God for a time of favour, for the salvation that never fails?
Lord, help me and Christians all over the world, to know that we are worth more than thousands of sparrows to you, and you will always be there for us, and more importantly, our souls will be safe with you in heaven.
EGUJIE ANONE CYNTHIA
The readings focus on trusting God in the midst of fear, opposition, and suffering.
In the First Reading
the prophet Jeremiah faces rejection, insults, and persecution from those around him. Despite this, he remains confident because he knows that God is with him as a mighty protector. Jeremiah praises God for delivering the poor and the oppressed.
In the Second Reading St. Paul contrasts Adam and Christ. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world, but through Jesus Christ, grace, forgiveness, and new life are abundantly given to humanity.
In the Gospel
Jesus encourages His disciples not to be afraid of persecution. He reminds them that God knows and cares for every detail of their lives, even the hairs on their heads. Jesus calls them to courageously profess their faith and trust in God's loving care.
Fear often prevents us from living our faith boldly. Today's readings remind us that God never abandons those who trust Him. Even when we face challenges, the soul. Our greatest concern should be remaining faithful to God and living according to His will.
Jesus also reminds us of God's loving care. Just as He watches over the sparrows, He values each one of us even more. Every detail of our lives is known to Him, even the hairs on our heads are numbered. Therefore, we should trust in God's protection and providence.
Jesus calls us to courageously acknowledge Him before others. When we openly live and witness our faith, He promises to acknowledge us before the Father in heaven. This Gospel invites us to trust God completely, remain faithful in every situation, and never be ashamed of our Christian faith.
Generally: Trust God, fear sin rather than people, and boldly stand for Christ at all times.
In this Gospel, Jesus encourages us not to live in fear of people or worldly threats. While people may harm the body, they cannot destroy the soul. Our greatest concern should be remaining faithful to God and living according to His will.
Jesus also reminds us of God's loving care. Just as He watches over the sparrows, He values each one of us even more. Every detail of our lives is known to Him, even the hairs on our heads are numbered. Therefore, we should trust in God's protection and providence.
Jesus calls us to courageously acknowledge Him before others. When we openly live and witness our faith, He promises to acknowledge us before the Father in heaven. This Gospel invites us to trust God completely, remain faithful in every situation, and never be ashamed of our Christian faith.
Generally: Trust God, fear sin rather than people, and boldly stand for Christ at all times.
AUGUSTINE ASUQUO UDOFA
Reflection on the First Reading
In this reading Prophet Jeremiah expressed his fear on the opposition of his friends against him, so much that they were even planning to report Prophet Jeremiah to the authorities in order to take revenge on the prophet. Why were they against the prophet, because Jeremiah had prophesied against their way of life which wasn't in accordance with the will of God. But did Jeremiah go all out to fight the opposition voices as it should be the case in today's world? No. Instead, he expressed his faith in the ability of the Almighty God whom he has placed his cause on His hands and will see Him take revenge on his enemies.
The lesson we should draw from this reading using Prophet Jeremiah as an example is: it is not proper taking revenge on our own against our enemies/persecutors. The Lord says "vengeance is mind". All we need to do is take the problem to God in prayer and allow God to handle it in His own way.
Even the persecutions that is going on in our time, our only weapon should be prayer, for God who does not delight in the death of the wicked is able to convert the wicked to Himself. He has done it before in the life of St. Paul. Glory to Jesus and Honor to Mary.
ANGELA OCHEME
My reflection will be explained from the second reading and Gospel passage.
What the second reading from the book of Romans 5:12-15 says, Saint Paul explains that sin entered the works through one man, Adam and because of sin, death came into the world. As a result of that, all people experience the effect of sin.
But Paul also says that God's gift through Jesus Christ, is mich greater than the damage caused by sin. While Adam's disobedience brought sim and death, Jesus Christ obedience brings grace, forgiveness, and the possibility of eternal life.
In simplest way I will say,
* Adam's sin affected all humanity
* Jesus came to save humanity from sin.
* God's mercy is stronger then human sin.
* Through Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness and new life.
The lesson to learn from this, is that no matter how much sin exists in the works, God's love and grace and greater. We should trust in Jesus Christ because He came to restore what we lost through sin.
While the Gospel of Matthew 10:26-33 says Jesus tell His disciples not to be afraid of people who oppose or persecute them. He reminds them that God knows everything, even the number of hairs on their heads. He assures them they they are precious in God's sight.
Jesus also says that whoever openly acknowledges Him before others, will be acknowledged by Him before God the Father.
In simple terms the passage is saying..
* Do not be afraid to follow Jesus Christ.
* God knows you personally and cares deeply for you.
* You are valuable to God.
* Be faithful and courageous in your faith.
Lessons for us to learn today is that, even when people criticize is for being Christians, we should remain faithful, God is always watching over is and protecting is.
Our greatest concern should be staying close to God rather than worrying about what people think or say.
The main message for both readings together teach us that
Sim entered the world through Adam, but salvation came through Jesus.
God's grace is greater that sin and that Jesus wants us to remain faithful and openly follow Him.
May God continue to strengthen our faith and draw is closer to Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for saving us through Your grace. Help us to trust You, and love without fear, and boldly follow You everyday.
Amen.
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