June 21 - "...do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

What strong and comforting Words we hear from Jesus in today’s Gospel:

Alleluia Verse

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of truth will testify to Me, says the Lord;
and you also will testify. (Jn 15:26 -27)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

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.
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.
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.” (Mt 10: 26 - 30)

These are difficult days for the Church and the world but God remains Faithful and True. His Word remains Faithful and True and when we trust in Him we need not be afraid. Even if we have failed from our weakness we can look to the example of the saints like Peter who denied Jesus three times but repented and wept bitterly and was forgiven, and was then given the “keys of the Kingdom” by Jesus.

In His First Letter to the Churches, St. Peter wrote:

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon Him because He cares for you.

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone]to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory through Christ [Jesus] will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To Him be dominion forever. Amen. (1 Peter 5: 6-11)

Mass readings for today at: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062120.cfm

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Kindle in us the Fire of Your Love. Keep us faithful to the Truth which is Christ – our Way, our Truth and our Life. Mary, Mother of the Church pray for us!

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Stephie and aroosi,

Thank you both for your Faith-Full “hearts” How we need the Holy Spirit to renew the hearts of ALL His Faithful and kindle in us the Fire of His Love. We need to keep listening to Jesus as He warns us and encourages us NOT to be afraid, but to be courageous as Mary and Joseph and all the saints were as they faced the evils of their own day!