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.
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.
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.
You are not alone. Submit your intentions and they'll be carried to Holy Hour this Sunday.
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