12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

by Deacon Gary Johnson  |  06/19/2026  |  Sunday Written Reflection

In Matthew 10:17-18, Jesus said, "But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans."

Jesus was addressing one of the effects many people suffer when they encounter some form of persecution, which is fear. "Fear no one," He says. Fear can consume a person when they lack faith in God's care for them, allowing anxiety to take hold. When we can keep our eyes fixed firmly on Christ and dispel the attacks we receive in life, then we will remain confident in God's truth and not be deterred by lies.

In today’s gospel from Matthew, after telling the disciples about the persecutions to come, Jesus gave them hope. Jesus was preparing the Twelve for the persecutions that are to come. Jesus said to the Twelve: "Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known."

Reflect, today, upon any struggle you have with fear. As you do, reflect upon Jesus' words over and over. "Fear no one." Do not allow yourself to be controlled by any injustice inflicted upon you. Instead, remain confident in the truth and, if some injustice is not able to be corrected here and now, look forward to the end of time when everything will be brought to light in accord with the mind and justice of God.

My courageous Lord, You endured so much ridicule and harsh treatment but never allowed it to deter You from Your divine mission of love. Please free me from all fear and give me courage when I face the injustices of life to trust that You will right every wrong in the end. Jesus, I trust in You.