Area 76
25 jun 2023
Twelve Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reflection
Our world is going through a lot of changes and things can feel uncertain. It's normal to feel scared or unsure about what's happening around us. This also applies to our lives as believers. We may wonder who will continue to come to church in the future and who will lead us in the Lord's Supper. Personally, the things we used to believe in might not seem as true or solid as they once did.
But here's the important part: the core of our faith is not about how we feel or what we believe. It's about what God did for us through Jesus' death and resurrection. Paul, one of the early followers of Jesus, asked a powerful question: "Who or what can separate us from the love of God in Christ?" This means that no matter what happens or how we feel, God's love is always there for us.
Reading
Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 69 (68); Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33
Meditation (Matthew 10:26-33)
The main message here is "Don't be afraid." This passage is about Jesus talking to his followers and getting them ready for what's coming. He encourages them to be brave when sharing his message and living according to it. He tells them to find strength in their trust in God, who takes care of us even more than he takes care of sparrows. Can you think of a time when trusting in God gave you strength in your own life?
When we talk about the body and soul, it means thinking about who we really are. Some people believe that the soul is our true self and the body is just temporary. But Jesus teaches us that it's important to stay true to ourselves, even if it means going through tough times or losing something physical. Have you ever been brave like that? How did it feel for you?
Being a disciple of Jesus means openly showing our allegiance to Him. There's no such thing as keeping it a secret. When we proudly declare our faith, that's when we truly find a meaningful life. If we try to hide our discipleship, we'll end up missing out. Can you relate to this? Have you ever felt that being open about your faith brings more fulfillment?