Homily for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

21 June 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33

Introduction

My dear friend,

Have you ever felt misunderstood, rejected, criticised, or even abandoned because of what you believe?

Have you ever tried to do the right thing only to discover that doing the right thing sometimes attracts opposition?

Perhaps you have felt alone in your family, isolated at work, ignored by people you love, or discouraged because your faith seems to cost more than it rewards.

If so, today's readings were written for you.

The prophet Jeremiah felt that way.

The psalmist felt that way.

Even the early Christians felt that way.

And Jesus knew His disciples would feel that way too.

Today's message is not simply about fear. It is about courage. It is about finding God when life becomes difficult and discovering that our deepest security comes not from people's approval but from God's love.

A Life Story

A young man was terrified of public speaking.

One Sunday his parish priest asked him to read the first reading at Mass.

The young man was so nervous that he barely slept the night before.

As he walked to the lectern, his knees were shaking.

Halfway through the reading, he accidentally skipped a paragraph.

After Mass he apologised to the priest.

The priest smiled and said:

"My son, don't worry. Most people weren't listening."

The young man replied:

"Father, that makes me feel even worse!"

Many of us spend enormous energy worrying about what people think of us. Yet most people are busy worrying about what others think of them.

Jesus invites us today to stop living for human approval and start living in the freedom of God's love.

The Word of God

The first reading presents Jeremiah at one of the lowest points of his life.

He says:

"I hear the whisperings of many: Terror on every side!"

His enemies are plotting against him.

His friends are waiting for him to fail.

Yet in the middle of his suffering he declares:

"But the Lord is with me like a mighty champion."

Jeremiah teaches us that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is trusting God despite fear.

In the Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for opposition.

Three times He says:

"Do not be afraid."

Notice that Jesus does not promise an easy life.

He does not promise universal popularity.

He does not promise freedom from criticism.

Instead, He promises God's presence.

Then comes one of the most beautiful images in Scripture:

"Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge."

And then:

"Even the hairs of your head have all been counted."

Jesus is telling us something extraordinary.

God's knowledge of us is intimate.

His care is personal.

His love is detailed.

The Creator of the universe notices every sparrow and knows every detail of your life.

The second reading deepens this message.

St Paul contrasts Adam and Christ.

Through Adam came sin and death.

Through Christ comes grace and life.

Human brokenness is real.

But God's grace is greater.

No failure is stronger than God's mercy.

No wound is deeper than God's healing.

No darkness is greater than Christ's light.

Jesus Moment

Imagine yourself sitting alone with Jesus.

Perhaps you carry wounds from criticism.

Perhaps someone has disappointed you.

Perhaps you are tired of trying to please everyone.

Perhaps you fear failure.

Perhaps you fear rejection.

Jesus sits beside you and asks gently:

"Why are you afraid?"

You begin listing your worries.

Your future.

Your health.

Your finances.

Your family.

Your reputation.

Jesus listens patiently.

Then He points toward a small bird perched on a nearby branch.

"Do you see that sparrow?"

You nod.

"I care for that little bird."

Then He looks directly into your eyes.

"And you are worth infinitely more."

At that moment you realise that your value does not come from your achievements.

It does not come from your popularity.

It does not come from your success.

It comes from being loved by God.

And when a person truly knows they are loved by God, fear begins to lose its power.

Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Stop Seeking Universal Approval

Not everyone will understand you.

Not everyone will agree with you.

Not everyone will appreciate your efforts.

That is part of being human.

Live for God's approval rather than human applause.

Ask yourself:

"Am I trying to please people, or am I trying to be faithful to God?"

2. Bring Your Fears into the Light

Jesus says:

"Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed."

Fear grows in darkness.

Speak your fears to God.

Write them down.

Pray about them.

Share them with someone you trust.

What is brought into the light loses much of its power.

3. Remember Your True Worth

Every day remind yourself:

"I am a beloved child of God."

Your worth is not based on performance.

Your dignity is not based on popularity.

Your identity is not based on what others say about you.

You belong to God.

Good News for Today

The good news is that you are not forgotten.

You are not invisible.

You are not facing life alone.

God knows your struggles.

God sees your tears.

God understands your questions.

God walks beside you even when you cannot feel His presence.

And because Christ has conquered sin and death, your future is not determined by your fears but by God's grace.

The same God who sustained Jeremiah, strengthened the apostles, and raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your life today.

Inspirational Quote

"One person with courage is a majority."
— Thomas Jefferson

For the Christian, courage comes not from self-confidence but from confidence in God.

Conclusion

My dear friend,

Fear has a way of shrinking our world.

Faith has a way of enlarging it.

Fear whispers:

"You are alone."

Faith replies:

"God is with me."

Fear says:

"You will fail."

Faith says:

"God's grace is sufficient."

Fear says:

"You are not enough."

Faith says:

"I am loved by God."

Today, hear the words of Jesus personally addressed to you:

"Do not be afraid."

Not because life is easy.

Not because problems disappear.

But because God is with you.

And if God is with you, you have every reason to move forward with courage, hope, and trust.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You know the fears I carry within my heart.

You know the worries that keep me awake and the burdens I try to carry alone.

Today I place them in Your hands.

Help me to trust that I am precious in Your sight.

Give me courage when I am afraid.

Give me strength when I feel weak.

Give me faith when uncertainty surrounds me.

Teach me to live for Your approval rather than the approval of others.

Remind me every day that I am loved, known, and never abandoned.

May Your grace be stronger than my fears and Your presence greater than every challenge I face.

For You are my refuge, my hope, and my salvation.

Amen.