Jeremiah 20.10-13 ・ Ps.69.14, 17+18, 34+35 ・Romans 5.12-15 ・ Matthew 10.26-33
We can consider Sundays in ordinary time as a specific period in our Church calendar when we are invited to look further at ourselves and the disciples of Jesus. During the seasons of Lent and Easter we reflect on the last days of Jesus’ life, His passion, death and resurrection. During Advent and Christmas, we reflect on the coming of Jesus and His presence among us. While during those major seasons we see the great mysteries of the life of Jesus, during the ordinary time, we are invited to continuously renew our participation in the Mission of Jesus, and live a Christian Life in its strictest sense, not just within the Church vicinity but moreover in the society where we live in. Today, we are all invited to fear no one when we give witness to God`s mercy and love. Do not be afraid, because we have more than enough in order to triumph against our persecutors, against all who are belittling and insulting us.
Prophet Jeremiah, as we can read in our first reading, sees the existence of the force of the opposition while delivering God`s message. The presence of the opposition may also give prophet Jeremiah a sort of anguish and maybe some sorts of discouragements. However what we only have in our reading today is his (prophet Jeremiah`s) understanding that the Lord is with him, so the persecutors will not triumph. Prophet Jeremiah indeed put his trust in the Lord. Praise the Lord for He has rescued the life of the poor.
In today`s gospel reading, Jesus encourages His disciples to fear no one. With the proposition that God`s message of love and mercy should not be hidden, we are invited to speak with courage in the light, in a broader scene．While we try to do so, we will experience opposition, and some sorts of alienation, maybe because we are in the society where the message of God`s love and mercy, Christian and Church Life is not known, and the meaning of our baptism is seemingly unpopular. Jesus says, “Be not afraid.” Be a voice, give voice, to the voiceless in the community and society. Be with peers who do not withhold faith and trust in Jesus while fighting for the truth and justice. Encourage others too.
The great mysteries of the life of Jesus are empowering us to continue to understand and acknowledge that graces already in us and graces that we continue to receive each day are sufficient resources to trample our enemies. While we continue to pray for God`s blessings, have courage, and other things will follow.
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