First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13
Reflection:
Jeremiah was a prophet living during the late 7th century and early 6th century B.C. in the southern kingdom of the Israelites. This was a tumultuous time for the people of God, as they had multiple wicked kings and many of the people were being unfaithful to God by worshipping foreign idols. Jeremiah was sent by the Lord to his people to call them to repent of their many sins and return to faithfulness to the Lord. He warned that there would be severe consequences if they did not return to God. Yet, the people did not heed the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah. Rather, they persecuted Jeremiah. The prophet speaks of that rejection in this Sunday’s first reading, expressing what people were saying about him. Still, the prophet knew that the Lord was with him. He had nothing to fear because he was doing what was right. He could praise the Lord in the midst of his persecution because he knew that ultimately God would be victorious, he would be vindicated, and his oppressors would suffer the consequences for their sins. Unfortunately, the people did not change their ways, so they were conquered by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. and sent into exile.
Second Reading: Romans 5:12-15
Reflection:
Here the Apostle Paul recounts how sin entered the world through Adam at the Fall (Genesis 3) and has plagued humanity ever since. We all inherit original sin from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Sin is any act that is in direct disobedience to God. As the Catechism states, “[sin] is failure in genuine love for God and neighbor” (CCC 1849). All sin, therefore, harms our relationship with God and, when severe (i.e. mortal sin), results in separation from God. Death, specifically spiritual death, is the consequence of sin, for when we sin we disconnect ourselves from God, who is our life. Paul, therefore, writes, “by the transgression of the one [namely, Adam] the many died.” Ever since Adam and Eve’s original sin, we have all been stuck in the muck of sin. We all, therefore, need redemption. We all need to be set free from sin. But we can’t get out of it on our own. There is nothing we can do by our own power that will set us free from the bondage of sin. That’s why Jesus came. God became one of us in order to right the wrong done by Adam. He, like Adam, is a representative for all of humanity. And where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. Whereas Adam led all of humanity into sin, Jesus offers the way out of sin and its consequences for all of humanity.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:26-33
Reflection:
In this gospel reading Jesus warns His followers that they will face severe persecution. Like the prophet Jeremiah and other Old Testament prophets, those who stand up for the truth of God will be opposed by society. In the case of the disciples, Jesus warns that this could even be in the form of martyrdom. This warning should not, however, deter His followers from speaking out and proclaiming the truths of God. Rather, Jesus commands them to be bold and speak freely about what He has revealed to them. Three times in this passage He exhorts them to have no fear. Even in the face of martyrdom, Christ’s followers need not fear because even if their bodies are put to death, their souls will remain forever with God in heaven. Thus, he says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” In other words, do not fear men, but fear God. Our actions should be motivated not by what other people think or how other people respond but by what pleases God.
Jesus challenges all his followers, including us today, to stand up for the truth and not be afraid to boldly share our faith even if we are persecuted for it. In our country we may not face martyrdom for being a Christian, but we can certainly experience ridicule and rejection. Jesus makes clear what’s at stake: the eternal state of our souls. If we deny him, He will deny us before the Father, but if we boldly acknowledge Him before others He will acknowledge us before His Father who will welcome us into the kingdom of heaven. We need not fear the consequences of standing up for Christ, because the consequences for not doing so are much greater. Furthermore, we need not fear because God will defend and care for us. He knows all things (even how many hairs we have on our heads!) and is in control of all things. He will defend us and vindicate us if we are faithful to Him.
Application:
- Whatever form persecution for following Jesus comes in, are you willing to stand boldly for Christ in the midst of it? Or will you deny Him and His teachings because it is more comfortable and convenient to do so? Ask the Lord to give you courage to faithfully stand for his truth and look for opportunities to do so in a sincerely loving way this week.
