Walking with Jesus: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

For Sunday, June 21, 2026

Jeremiah 20:10-13, Romans 5:12-15, Matthew 10:26-33


Today Jesus says to the Apostles: “Fear no one … and do not be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” [Matthew 10:26, 28] So what am I afraid of? Having enough money today to pay all the bills? This certainly exists for so many people we know who live in the United States. What else am I afraid of — continued worries about my health and the health of my family? My future in a hectic world? The many places around the world that are fighting rebellions, terrorists, failed governments — with no hope for the poor and those out of work? This is a lot to worry about.

We live in a world where money too often is the standard of success. We live in a world of competition, where the world values possessions more than commitment. It is a sorry world where racial diversity, culture and even the environment are secondary to the desires of those in power. Our readings today continue to elaborate on Jesus’ teachings which, in the midst of this suffering, can help us find strength in the promises of God and help us believe that God keeps His promises. God cares for us as Jesus says today: “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge … so do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” [Matthew 10:29, 31] You — me — all are special and precious at every moment. We look to the readings to find the strength that comes only from God to continue on our chosen path of being a believer and follower of Jesus despite our hardships.

The prophets consistently expose and denounce the wrong in society and announce a better path ahead based on God’s promises. This is not a popular message and entails a great price as Jeremiah says. Even his call to prophecy contains a sense of impending doom. His bold message we hear today makes him the object of scorn and ridicule from the government authorities. At the same time he is confident of God being at his side as the “mighty champion” who will fight for his cause. Jeremiah gives Him the title “Lord of host,” calling to mind the cosmic war that God wages against evil in Psalm 24:9-11. We might not like vengeance, he says, but this is not bloodthirsty revenge — it’s a plea for justice. He turns to God for justice and concludes with a short hymn of praise, confident in God’s help.

Continuing his great letter to the Romans, Paul is preparing for his arrival to gain support for further missions. He raises money for the Church in Jerusalem and to continue to support the message about Jesus to all “churches” — all groups believing and living Jesus’ message. Paul contrasts the person of “Adam” with that of Jesus, showing that as death entered the world through the sin of one — Adam — so grace was won for all through the gift of God “in and through Jesus Christ.” This passage also contains a powerful message emphasizing that grace — God’s continual help and care — is much more powerful than sin. Do I ask for God’s help?

Matthew assembles a series of short sayings of Jesus around his main message on how the Apostles, disciples, and each of us are to live as witnesses of God’s love. We will encounter opposition to love in each of our lives, but we are to trust in God who will dissolve fear. Jesus instructs us to “proclaim on the housetops” — bring to light — let others know how we have been taught with love, and how Jesus’ life, teaching and death have inspired us. Jesus tells us to consider His words as encouragement. Like the prophets who faced opposition and hostilities, so we can expect to “be killed” for being witnesses. God always will be faithful. Our sufferings should not be seen as evidence that God doesn’t care or is disinterested. A big point: One’s attitude toward Jesus determines one’s ultimate fate. Do I declare my faith in Jesus before all others — all people and things? God, Jesus, Paul, and Jeremiah inspire us with hope and love.

So I reflect on:

• Jesus says whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for God’s sake will find it. Am I living this each day? Am I reflecting on this as well as living it?
• There is light even in the midst of darkness; there is hope even in the midst of suffering. Right — so how am I living this? Where do I lose focus? What do I need?

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“Jesus wants us to know that the Father cares deeply for His creation and even a sparrow falling to the ground will not go unnoticed. Those are Your words, Lord, so how much more likely You are to be concerned for us. If we try to put our hand in the hand of the One who stills the water, that gesture will, we believe, be noted and returned.”