Reflection for June 21, 2026

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Jeremiah 20:10-13​ | ​Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35​ | Romans 5:12-15​ | ​Matthew 10:26-33

​Our readings today invite us to reflect on the courage to proclaim and live the truth. In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah reminds us of the challenges and sacrifices that often accompany fidelity to God's message. In the Second Reading, St. Paul encourages the Romans—and us—to recognize God's boundless love and mercy, which triumph even in the midst of widespread sin. In the Gospel according to Matthew, our Lord calls us to unwavering courage and trust in God as we stand firm in the truth, even in the face of opposition and danger. Today is also a special occasion as we celebrate Father's Day, a time to honor our fathers, grandfathers, and all those who have lovingly fulfilled a paternal role in our lives. During this Mass, we lift them up in prayer, asking God to bestow abundant blessings upon those who are living and to grant everlasting joy and peace to those who have gone before us.

Daniel stood outside the iron gate of a small house, holding a worn paper bag of pandesal and a toy rabbit. His daughter, Mira, peeked through the window, her eyes uncertain. Since the separation, her mother Liza had remarried, and her grandparents often told Mira that Daniel was irresponsible. Even neighbors whispered stories that painted him as a stranger. Daniel did not raise his voice. He only placed his hand on his chest and spoke gently through the gate. “It does not matter what others say about me, Mira. What matters is how you see me, because that is the sweetest truth I will ever hold. No rumor can change a father who keeps coming back. I will never get tired of visiting you. Even if I am not welcomed, I will still come. One day you will understand the truth for yourself. And when you do, I will be right here. Until then, I will keep showing up with love that does not give up. Because truth is not loud, but faithful and steady like me always.”

Those who are committed to doing what is right and challenging the status quo will often face strong opposition. In our First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah brings troubling news: Judah and Jerusalem will fall to the king of Babylon, and God's chosen people will suffer a long exile because of their disobedience and their failure to remain faithful to the covenant. Jeremiah did not tell people what they wanted to hear. Instead, he faithfully proclaimed the message God had entrusted to him. Because his words went against popular opinion, he was treated as a troublemaker, arrested without proper authority, and cruelly abused by Pashur, the chief officer of the Temple. It was a clear example of power being misused to silence someone who spoke the truth. Yet despite these painful experiences, Jeremiah did not lose faith. He placed his trust completely in the Lord and endured insults, rejection, and suffering with patience and humility. Although he felt hurt and anger toward those who persecuted him, he did not take revenge into his own hands. Instead, he brought his pain before God and entrusted justice to Him, praying that the wrongdoers would be held accountable for their actions.

“Mom… what was Dad like?” Noah asked quietly while sitting at the edge of their small kitchen table. His mother, Elena, paused for a moment before answering. “Your father made many wrong turns in life,” she said gently. “He chose paths that led him away from us. Because of his bad decisions, he can’t be with us now.” Noah lowered his eyes. “So… should I be angry at him?” Elena reached for his hand. “No. Whatever his failures were, they are not something you should carry in your heart. He was still your father, even if he fell short. Don’t let bitterness grow where understanding can be.” Noah stayed silent for a while, then nodded. “I think I understand, Mom. He may not be here… but I don’t feel empty. I feel like God fills that space more than I can ask for. Where human fathers fail, our Father in heaven holds everything together. And where sin is deep, His grace is deeper.”

Moral corruption and the loss of a sense of right and wrong can spread through society much like a contagious disease. People are influenced by the attitudes, values, and examples of those around them. Over time, these influences shape the culture, and the culture, in turn, shapes us. In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul describes how sin entered the world through one person and spread from generation to generation, affecting all of humanity. Yet Paul does not leave us with a message of despair. He reminds us that where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more. Just as wrongdoing can spread through the actions and example of a few, so too can goodness, love, and grace spread through the selfless sacrifice and faithful witness of even one person.

Father and son explorers, Richard and Raymond, were on a jungle safari when, out of nowhere, a massive, very unimpressed lion stepped right in front of them. Richard swallowed hard but tried to sound calm. “Don’t be afraid,” he whispered. “Remember what we read in that book about wild cats? If you stand perfectly still and look the lion in the eye, it will get confused… and run away.” Raymond slowly nodded. “Right, Dad. You’ve read the book. I’ve read the book.” The lion blinked. Raymond continued, whispering, “But just one question…” Richard didn’t take his eyes off the lion. “What?” Raymond gestured slightly toward the beast. “Has the lion read the book?” A long silence followed. The lion shook its head in reply and then casually took one step forward. Richard immediately broke his “expert posture.” “New plan,” he said, backing away, “we run. We run like the lion definitely skipped Chapter One.”

In today's Gospel, Jesus repeatedly tells us, "Do not be afraid." As His disciples and witnesses, we are called to live and proclaim our faith with courage. Our Lord challenges us not to keep our faith hidden but to bring it into every aspect of our lives and boldly share it with the world. At the same time, Jesus does not hide the difficulties that may come with following Him. Those who stand for truth and righteousness may face opposition. Powerful people may try to silence criticism, suppress dissent, spread false accusations, or misuse their authority against those who speak out. We may experience rejection, ridicule, setbacks, or even threats to our security and well-being. Just as Jesus was misunderstood, persecuted, and rejected, His followers may encounter similar trials. Yet Jesus gives us every reason not to be afraid. In the end, light will overcome darkness, truth will prevail over falsehood, and genuine goodness will be recognized for what it truly is. As Jesus says, "Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known." So let us go forth with courage. Let us have the conversations we know need to happen. Let us stand up for what is right and speak out against injustice and moral decay. Let us use every opportunity—whether in our homes, workplaces, communities, or even on social media. Do not let fear hold you back. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid.

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers—living and departed. To those with us, thank you for your love, strength, and quiet sacrifices. To those who have gone before us, you are remembered with gratitude and love.

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