My dear brothers and sisters,
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!
On this Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Word of God invites us to move from fear to trust, from discouragement to hope, and from isolation to communion. Through the experiences of Jeremiah, St. Paul, and Jesus Himself, we are reminded that God never abandons those who remain faithful to Him.
The prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20: 10-13), experiences rejection, ridicule, and betrayal. Surrounded by those who seek his downfall, he cries out honestly to God. Yet in the midst of his suffering, Jeremiah proclaims, “The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.” His example teaches us that faith is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Like Jeremiah, we are called to place our lives in God’s hands and praise Him even before our struggles are resolved.
St. Paul (Romans 5: 12-15), writing to the Romans, contrasts the disobedience of Adam with the saving obedience of Jesus Christ. While sin and death entered the world through one man, God’s grace overflows through Christ. The message is one of profound hope: no wound is deeper than God’s mercy, and no darkness is greater than His saving love. Through Baptism and the Sacraments, we share in this abundant grace and become part of God’s family.
In the Gospel (Matthew 10: 26-33), Jesus repeats three times, “Do not be afraid.” He reminds us that God the Father knows every sparrow and counts every hair on our heads. We are precious in His sight. Jesus calls us to witness courageously to our faith, trusting that God’s providence guides every step of our journey.
As we celebrate Father’s Day, we give thanks for fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, mentors, and all who reflect God’s loving care. Inspired by St. Joseph, may they continue to be examples of faithful service, quiet strength, and steadfast love.
This week we also mark National Indigenous Peoples Day. As Catholics, we are called to continue the journey of truth, healing, and reconciliation. May we listen with humility, walk together in respect, and recognize the gifts and wisdom of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples as blessings to both our nation and our Church. May the Lord, our mighty champion and loving God the Father, strengthen us to live without fear and to walk together in faith, hope, and love. Amen. God Loves You!
~ Fr. Neil