Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Today's Word
Jer 20:10-13; Rom 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33 Read at USCCB
Real Talk
Jeremiah hears his friends conspiring against him - watching for the misstep, planning how to trap him. Terror on every side. And then: but the Lord is with me like a mighty champion. He doesn't pretend the terror isn't real. He names it and then names the Lord in the same breath.
Paul says: through one man sin entered the world. Through one man - Jesus - grace overflows. Not matched; overflowed.
Jesus says to the disciples he's sending out: don't be afraid of those who can kill the body. They can't kill the soul. Your Father counts the sparrows - every one. He counts the hairs on your head. You are worth more than many sparrows. Do not be afraid.
Whoever acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my Father. Whoever denies me before others I will deny.
One Prayer
Lord, terror on every side - but you are with me like a mighty champion. I have entrusted my cause to you. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.
Your Challenge
Do not be afraid. Name the specific fear you are carrying this week. Then name the but-the-Lord-is-with-me over it. Not as a magic formula - as the actual claim on what Jesus said is true. The hairs are counted. You are not overlooked.
You are not alone. Submit your intentions and they'll be carried to Holy Hour this Sunday.
Take to Holy Hour