The first reading and the Gospel remind us that as Christians, we will face difficulties and persecutions for the sake of our Faith. And in the face of these adversities we encounter daily, we shall also feel the temptation to let ourselves be carried away by fear and to hide our condition as Christians, deterring us from the testimony that we must give.
The prophet Jeremiah, in the first reading, experienced a lot of threats from his people because of speaking the truth. They made every effort to intimidate him and so he exclaimed, “Terror on every side” (Jeremiah 20:10). In their lack of wisdom, the people forgot that they can only kill the messenger of truth but cannot kill the truth.
The prophet watched how his friends turned into being his enemies. He cried out in pains: “All those who used to be my friends watched for my downfall” (Jeremiah 20:10). Despite this grim situation, Jeremiah found consolation and courage in the fact that he is not alone. Jeremiah had God with him and so he said, “But the Lord is with me like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not prevail. In their failure they would be put to shame, to lasting unforgettable confusion” (Jeremiah 20:11).
Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel is part of the missionary discourse, with which the Teacher prepares the Apostles for their first experience of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. He teaches them and prepares them to face the trials and persecutions they will endure. Jesus cautions them: “you will find persecutions”. So, he exhorts them: “have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed… “. He repeats to his disciples three different times: “have no fear” (Mt 10:26, 28, 31).
St Paul, in his letter to the Romans, explains how sin entered through Adam but grace overflows through Christ. The gift of Jesus is far greater than the weight of sin. Our Lord brings life and hope to all who believe in Him.
God values each person deeply. He also promises that He will stand on our side before the Father in heaven, if we acknowledge Him before men, but not only in tough times, but daily. Do we remember God as our Father daily, and treat him as such?
May we always have the courage to call God our father, and may, we always trust Him. May the Lord shower His grace upon every father, filling their hearts with His love, wisdom, and strength as they share in the Fatherhood of God. Happy Father’s Day.