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The 12th Sunday in ordinary time invites us to turn our attention to the Gospel of Matthew, specifically chapter 10, verses 26 to 33. In this passage, Jesus imparts important teachings to His disciples, teachings that continue to resonate with us today.
Jesus begins by encouraging His disciples not to be afraid. He tells them, "So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known" (Matthew 10:26). These words carry a profound message for us as well. In our lives, we often encounter challenges, uncertainties, and even opposition because of our faith. Yet, Jesus assures us that the truth will prevail, and all things will be brought into the light. We need not fear the powers of this world or the judgments of others because God's truth will ultimately triumph.
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Jesus continues, saying, "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs" (Matthew 10:27). Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of boldly proclaiming the Good News. As followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses to His message of love, mercy, and salvation. We are entrusted with the task of sharing the Gospel with others, not only in the privacy of our hearts but also in the public square. We are called to live out our faith openly and without fear, regardless of the consequences.
However, Jesus does not promise a smooth journey. He acknowledges that His disciples will face opposition and persecution. He tells them, "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 hell" (Matthew 10:28). Jesus reminds us of the eternal significance of our choices. While we may encounter difficulties and sufferings in this world, we must keep our focus on the eternal destiny of our souls. Our ultimate fear should be directed towards God, who holds our eternal fate, rather than the temporary trials we face.
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Moreover, Jesus assures His disciples of God's loving care and providence. He says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31). These words convey God's deep love for each one of us. If God takes notice of even the smallest details of His creation, how much more does He care for us, His beloved children? We can take comfort in knowing that God is intimately aware of our joys, sorrows, and every need. He will never abandon us.
We are invited to draw inspiration from this Gospel passage. Let us cast aside our fears, be courageous witnesses of Christ, and trust in God's providence. As we navigate the challenges of living out our faith, let us remember that the truth will prevail, and God's love and care for us are unwavering. May we go forth with confidence, embracing our role as messengers of the Good News, and may we find solace in Jesus' reassuring words: "So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:31).
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Let us pray that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out these teachings, so that our lives may be a testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel. May we have the grace to be true disciples of Jesus, fearlessly spreading His message of love and salvation to all those we encounter.
May God bless us abundantly and guide us in our journey of faith. Amen.
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