Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35;
Rom 5:12-15; Matt 10:26-33
“[D]o not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matt 10:31)
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” This memorable opening line from the inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 lifted the hopes of a nation caught in the grips of the deepest economic depression it had ever experienced. Soon after, programs that aimed at relief, recovery, and reform were put into action and began to have the desired effects. In recent times, people who work in organizational change management have observed that fear, along with cynicism and judgment, is one of the greatest obstacles to creating new structures and relationships. Jesus seems to have recognized this long before FDR and modern-day facilitators. One of his most oft-repeated instructions in the gospels is “fear not.”
These are similar to the opening words of today’s gospel, repeated twice more in this short passage. It comes at the conclusion of the missionary discourse, as Jesus is sending out the Twelve to proclaim the good news, heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons. He has instructed them to go with nothing: no bag, no clothes, no food, no money, but to rely on the hospitality of others, embodying power in vulnerability and communion in interdependence. He has warned them that they will be rejected by some, and even suffer physical abuse, and be handed over to the authorities. Jesus is not blind to the dangers of his mission and he does not want his disciples to be unprepared when they face these threats.
At the same time, he does not want them to be frightened off by these possible consequences. They are to proclaim the good news openly “from the housetops.” And even if they should lose their physical life, this is not the most fearsome thing that can happen. Jesus then speaks to them of their supreme value in the eyes of God, as a reason not to be afraid. Just as God takes note of the tiniest creatures, such as sparrows, even more will divine care encompass Jesus’ disciples. It is notable that Jesus does not tell them that God will intervene and rescue them from bodily harm. Should such befall them, however, they are not to give in to fear, because God will be with them and will preserve their life beyond bodily existence.
This gospel gives us an opportunity to reflect on what it is we most fear in following Jesus—not so as to fuel the fear by focusing on it but, rather, to acknowledge honestly what are our obstacles to proclaiming the gospel more fully with our lives. When we face our fears, voice them aloud to another, and surrender them to the One who has counted every hair on our heads, we can defuse their paralyzing power over us. Placing our full attention on the One who cares for us and empowers us, there comes a freedom beyond fear.
In the first reading, we see how Jeremiah was able to overcome the terror he experienced on every side, as even those who were his friends are looking for ways to trap him. He focuses on God’s presence with him “like a mighty champion.” As in the lament psalms, he pours out his complaint to God, knowing he is in the right and that those persecuting him are unjust. He relies on God to rectify the situation, and ends by praising God for accomplishing justice, as he knows God will do. In his fear, Jeremiah voices a desire that his opponents be put to lasting shame and that God take vengeance on them. His fear is transformed into praise and trust, as he places everything in God’s hands, not acting out of fear or desire for vengeance, but from his confidence in God’s saving power at work in him.
1. Imagine the Holy One caring for sparrows and then let God tell you about your great worth in God’s eyes.
2. Tell God about the fears you have and then surrender them into God’s hands.
3. Conclude your prayer with praise and thanks, letting God’s Spirit empower you.