CATHOLIC CONVERSATIONS ON THE SCRIPTURES Archdiocese of Miami - Ministry of Christian Formation

June 22, 2008 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

Gospel reading Matthew 10:26-33

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 .* 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.”

*A ravine south of where human sacrifices were once offered to a pagan god and where in later times trash was burnt. Its continually burning fires came to symbolize the place of torment for the wicked. ’ words are based on the OT description of Gehenna with its filth and smoldering fires.

Brief commentary:

Today’s reading is part of the instructions Jesus gives to his disciples after he has commissioned them to proclaim the approaching Kingdom of heaven (10:1-42). As we already know, Matthew addressed a predominantly Jewish-Christian community, for whom Jesus embodied the fulfillment of the Old Testament. His is divided into five long discourses that remind us of the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is the new Moses, the new Lawgiver, and the new Teacher. At the time this Gospel was written (c.85), the early Christian communities were suffering persecution and some were losing their faith in the face of opposition. In this brief text, the phrase, “Do not fear,” appears 3 times. With these words, Jesus encouraged the disciples and attacked the fears that could make them abandon their mission. Jesus assured them that their persecutors could destroy the body but never the soul. The coming of the Reign of God was inevitable and fear must not prevent the disciples from proclaiming it.

Today’s reading offers three significant messages:

• Fear cannot prevent us from proclaiming the gospel and its demands. • Jesus promises that we will never be alone in our efforts to do what is right. • The final judgment before God will be based on the disciples’ faithfulness to Jesus during the controversies that are part of their mission.

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings.

1. What fears keep me from sharing my faith in God? Ridicule, criticism, loss of job or status, rejection, etc.?

2. Have I ever given in to unethical behavior because, “everyone else is doing it,” or, “No one will ever know?”

Suggested readings: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 305; 363; 1034; 1816; 2145.