Gospel Reflection 2019/2020

12^TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

21 June 2020

[Matthew 10: 26-33]

On the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jesus called out to us,

"Shoulder my yoke and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls."

Jesus has shown us how much He desires peace in our life; and the most effective way of finding that peace is invoking His aid. He wants to help us, but our hearts must be open to His divine assistance.

Again, in the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus repeated three times these comforting words: “DO NOT BE AFRAID”.

(1) We are told not to be afraid of proclaiming Jesus in our words, in our deeds, and in our lives.

(2) We are told not to be afraid of suffering and persecution, kleptocracy, extremism, and terrorism.

(3) We are told not to be afraid because God loves us, and we are precious in His eyes.

We give thanks and praise to our God for He has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. [2 Tim 1: 7]

Let the words of St Teresa of Avila encourage us in this time of trial, tribulation, and turbulence:

“Let nothing disturb you.

Let nothing frighten you.

All things are passing away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

Whoever has God lacks nothing;

God alone suffices.”