OT XII [A] : Jer 20:10-13; Rom 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33

Our Scripture readings for today call us to preach Christ through our words and lives without fear. The first reading tells us how the prophet Jeremiah trusted in the power of God while he faced opposition for his prophetic ministry. In the Gospel, after having predicted future opposition and persecution, Jesus encourages his disciples to stand firm. Three times they are urged, “Do not fear!” “Do not be afraid!” Instead of shrinking from their task, they are to proclaim the Gospel boldly because they will be protected. Hence, Jesus commands his disciples not to fear their persecutors.

Jesus has two important thoughts about suffering. First, that here on earth there is no escape from it. Sometimes Christian preachers say that if we believe hard enough in Jesus, he will take away all our suffering. But Jesus never said that. Jesus told us that if we want to follow him, we will have to take up our cross every day. He told his Apostles not to be afraid of those who kill the body, but he didn't say that no one would try to kill them. In fact, all of Christ's first Apostles were martyred - except St John the Evangelist, who miraculously survived being boiled in oil. Therefore, following Jesus will not save us from suffering in this life. That's his first thought.

His second thought explains why he permits his followers to suffer. Suffering entered the world with sin, as St Paul reminds us in the Second Reading. So to save us from suffering, Jesus would have to eliminate all sin, but that would mean eliminating all freedom, since sin is freely chosen rebellion against God. But eliminating freedom would also eliminate the possibility of experiencing and giving love - we would become God's robots, instead of his children. So instead of eliminating suffering, Jesus transformed it, turning it into a channel of grace.

 

Sometimes we can think that the age of the martyrs ended long ago, and that in the modern world we really don't have to worry so much about suffering for Christ. But the twentieth century had more Christian martyrs than all previous centuries combined.

Just last a few months ago, violence broke out against Catholic priests and laity in Zimbabwe simply because they actively supported the opposition party in the recent elections. They organized, peacefully and legally, against the ruling party because of its ongoing violation of basic human rights. As a result, many have been kidnapped, tortured, and maimed by soldiers.

Faithfully following Christ and fulfilling our mission as Christians does not guarantee a suffering-free life here on earth - not even in our modern, enlightened world. But it does guarantee a meaningful life here, and a very warm, everlasting welcome hereafter. And all the saints agree that there is no greater joy on this earth than bearing crosses with love.

Today's Psalm tells us that God hears the cry of the poor.

Sometimes we wonder whether God really does hear the cry of the poor?

What about the abortions, suicides, child trafficking etc happening in our world right now. What about the countless victims of natural disasters, war, and poverty?

What about the agonizing moral and emotional suffering hidden in our own hearts and our neighbors'?

Is the Lord really with us? Is he really a mighty champion?

Yes.

Not a sparrow alights on the ground without the Father's knowledge. Every hair on every head is counted.

Jesus used those striking images so that there would be absolutely no doubt left in our minds: God is watching over all of us and guiding the course of history - nothing escapes his providential care.

God's Providence is real. It will never let us down. Every evil deed will be set right, and every prayer will be answered. Because God is a caring Father as we pray in the prayer our Father. And tomorrow/today is Fathers’ day in this country. God is the real Father and other earthly fathers have only derivative attributes. No earthly father is able to number the hair on the head of his children. But God the Father does. Therefore we need to have a full trust in God the Father as a little child does.  

A little girl had somehow received a bad cut in the soft flesh of her eyelid. The doctor knew that some stitches were needed, but he also knew that because of the location of the cut, he should not use an anesthetic. He talked with the little girl and he told her what he must do… and asked her if she thought she could stand the touch of the needle without jumping. She thought for a moment, and then said simply, “I think I can if Daddy will hold me while you do it.” So, the father took his little girl in his lap, steadied her head against his shoulder, and held her tightly in his arms. The surgeon then quickly did his work… and the little girl did not flinch. She just held on tight to her Father.

That’s a parable for us in our spiritual lives, and a graphic reminder that whatever we have to face, we can hold on tight to our Father… and He will see us through. There’s a word for that… it’s called TRUST or FAITH. It’s surely what Jesus had in mind when he said, “Unless you become like a little child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.” As we honor the earthly fathers this weekend let’s realize that we have only one Father who is true to its name. But we need to recognize the sacrifices of the fathers who try to imitate the Heavenly Father’s care. May the heavenly Father Bless them and their children honor them.