Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 25, 2017): Be bold with your good news!.

Jeremiah 20:10-13
Ps 69:(14c)8-10,14,17,33-35
Romans 5:12-15
Matthew 10:26-33
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062517.cfm

USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/17_06_25.mp3

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

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.”

Think of a time when you were in darkness: a sin, for example, or when you felt abandoned by God or your prayers seemed dry and your spiritual gifts seemed covered over. What did Jesus say to you at that time (perhaps through scripture or friends or a homily at Mass)? What did his whisperings tell you? His words and his guidance were good news for you!

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus says: “What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light.”

He’s calling you and commissioning you and empowering you, through his Holy Spirit, to share your good news with others, so that they can hear him in their darkness. Proclaim it boldly and visibly so that those who want to hear it will stop and listen. Do not be afraid to openly share how Jesus has been working in your life and how he’s helped you grow or heal or turn away from sin.

Yes, when we’re this bold, some people ridicule us and reject us, like how Jeremiah was treated in the first reading. But the Lord is with you, too, as “a mighty champion,” and your persecutors will eventually stumble and fail. Jesus tells us to “fear no one.” God takes good care of us.

Jesus acknowledges those who acknowledge him. In other words, when we’re insulted or persecuted for our faith, God holds us and comforts us. It’s his opinion of us that matters anyway, and no one else’s. Listen to him. In the whispers of the sanctuary of your heart, he’s telling you all the good that he sees in you. He’s telling you that he appreciates the good you have done. He’s giving you good news worth sharing.

Questions for Personal Reflection:
What is your testimony? What did Jesus teach you when you were in sin or handling a recent difficulty? Write it down; this exercise will help you feel more confident when you try to share your story with others.

Questions for Community Faith Sharing:
Practice sharing the testimony you realized during the above personal reflection: Proclaim it first to your community of friends who understand. And as you listen to the testimonies of others, encourage them: Tell them how their story helps you. Then, make a commitment to go forth and spread the good news. What does this commitment look like? What will you do first to fulfill your commitment?

Lord Jesus, may Your Holy Spirit put Your words on our lips and give us noble and generous hearts to serve You. May we announce Your kingdom with the signs and wonders You promised that will accompany those who believe in You. Amen.