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Encountering the Presence of God

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time – “Have No Fear”

By June 20, 2026No Comments
The message this Sunday is simple and comforting: do not be afraid.
Both Jeremiah and Jesus remind us that following God’s truth can bring challenges, but God’s love and care are far greater than any hardship.
In Matthew 10:26–33, Jesus tells the apostles three times not to be afraid. He reassures them that their Heavenly Father knows every sparrow that falls and every hair on their heads. That same loving attention is given to each of us. God knows our strengths and weaknesses, our virtues and our sins—and still loves us completely. That is the mystery of divine love.

St. Paul (Romans 5:12–15) reminds us that even though sin and weakness are part of human frailty, God’s grace through Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are stronger than anything the world can throw at us.

St. Ignatius of Loyola said we should “proclaim the Gospel at all times—use words if necessary.” Living this way means trusting the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions. In a world focused on self, success, and control, standing up for Christ’s teachings can feel counter-cultural. Yet we are called to share our faith openly, even when it brings conflict or misunderstanding.

Jeremiah (20:10–13) speaks of fear as a daily reality—voices whispering “terror on every side.” We, too, live with fears: the violence and wars we see in the news, uncertainty in the economy, rising tensions in our communities, and the sense that the world is becoming less stable. These anxieties join the personal fears we carry—fear of judgment, failure, or not being enough. Yet Scripture calls us to trust that God is not removed from these struggles. His compassion meets us in the very places where fear tries to take hold. We are called to trust God’s compassion and step into the light, speaking truth without fear.

As Christians, we are to fear only God—not with terror, but with reverence and awe. When we give priority to God’s will over the world’s opinions, we find peace.
If we can encounter God’s presence amidst the clouds of daily life, we are truly on the right path.

 

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