June 21, 2026 - 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks words that are both challenging and comforting: “Do not be afraid.” Three times He repeats this message to His disciples. Jesus knows that following Him will not always be easy. There will be moments when faith requires courage, when speaking the truth may bring opposition, and when living according to the Gospel may set us apart from the values of the world. Yet Christ assures us that we are never alone.
The first reading from the prophet Jeremiah presents a man who faced ridicule, rejection, and persecution because he remained faithful to God’s call. Even in the midst of suffering, Jeremiah placed his trust in the Lord, knowing that God would not abandon him. His example reminds us that faith is not the absence of difficulties but the confidence that God walks with us through them.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that God knows us intimately. He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. This beautiful image reveals the depth of God’s love and care for each person. We are not forgotten, overlooked, or insignificant in His eyes. Every joy, every struggle, every prayer, and every tear is known to Him. In a world often marked by uncertainty and anxiety, these words of Jesus remain as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. We face concerns about our families, our health, our future, and the challenges facing society and the Church. Yet Christ invites us to place our trust in the Father’s providence. Fear can paralyze us, but faith enables us to move forward with confidence.
As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, we also give thanks for all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and father figures who reflect God’s loving care through their sacrifices, guidance, and example. We pray that the Lord will bless them and strengthen them in their vocation of love and service. May this Sunday remind us that our lives are held in God’s hands. No matter what challenges we face, we can trust in His love and hear once again the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid.” May God bless you and your families always!!!
Happy Father’s Day!!!
Fr. Stan
