On this 12th Sunday of the year (A), I’ll like to reflect on the first reading and the gospel: Jeremiah 20:10-13 and Matthew 10:26-33. These passages remind us of the challenges we face as followers of Christ and the assurance of His presence and care in the midst of those challenges.

In Jeremiah 20:10-13, we encounter the prophet Jeremiah, a man chosen by God to deliver His message to the people of Israel. Jeremiah faced intense opposition and persecution for proclaiming God’s word faithfully. His message of repentance and the impending judgment of God was met with hostility and rejection. Jeremiah said: “I hear so many disparaging me, Terror from every side! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” (V. 10a)

In the face of this adversity, Jeremiah experienced deep anguish and felt betrayed even by those he thought were his friends. “All those who used to be my friends watched for my downfall, ‘Perhaps he will be seduced into error. Then we will master him
and take our revenge!’ (V. 10b)

Yet, despite his struggles, Jeremiah remained steadfast in his commitment to God’s calling. He trusted in the Lord’s presence and found strength in Him. “But the Lord is at my side, a mighty hero;
my opponents will stumble, mastered,
confounded by their failure; everlasting, unforgettable disgrace will be theirs.” (V. 11)

In Matthew 10:26-33, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the challenges they will face as they go out to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. He warns them of persecution, rejection, and the fear that may arise within them. Jesus reminds them that the truth will be revealed and that they should not be afraid of those who oppose them. He encourages them to trust in God, who cares for even the smallest details of their lives.

Friends, as followers of Christ, we are not exempt from trials and difficulties. We may face opposition and rejection when we stand up for the truth, when we live out our faith in a world that often rejects God’s ways. We may encounter moments of doubt, fear, and uncertainty, wondering if our efforts make a difference or if we are on the right path.

But in the midst of our struggles, we can draw strength and encouragement from Jeremiah’s experience. Just as he found solace in God’s presence, we too can find comfort in knowing that God is with us. He hears our cries and knows our innermost thoughts and struggles. We are never alone. We can take refuge in His faithfulness and rely on His strength to carry us through challenging times.

In the gospel, Jesus assures His disciples—and by extension, us—that God values us deeply. He knows us intimately, numbering even the hairs on our heads. If God cares for the smallest details of our lives, how much more will He provide for our needs, protect us from harm, and guide us in our mission to spread His love and truth?

We are called, then, to trust in God wholeheartedly, to have faith that He will see us through every trial and tribulation. We are reminded that our worth is not determined by the world’s standards or the opinions of others but by the love and care of our Heavenly Father. We need not fear what others may say or do to us, for God is our refuge and strength.

May the words and experience of Jeremiah and the teachings of Jesus inspire us to live lives of faith, courage, and unwavering trust in our Heavenly Father. And may we, like Jeremiah and the disciples, proclaim the good news with boldness, knowing that the truth will prevail and that God’s love and grace will ultimately triumph. Amen.

~ Fr. James Anyaegbu