This Week’s Gospel Message for Sunday, June 21st is from Matthew 10:26-33.
“Jesus said to the Twelve: ‘Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. . .So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.’”
Jesus wants his disciples to stay strong despite rejection and persecution. He assures them repeatedly, “Do not be afraid.” How can he say this? Because he knows his Father’s care exceeds any harm the world can inflict. This enables him to take up his cross when facing the ultimate persecution. May we be assured of God’s care through all our trials. Source: Pastoral Patterns, Summer 2020
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18; Matt 7:1-5
Tuesday 2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36; Matt 7:6, 12-14
Wednesday Isa 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80
The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (Solemnity) – This feast is one of the earliest feasts to be celebrated on a particular day. The date of June 24 serves as a reminder that John was six months older than Jesus (Luke 1:26). Luke relates the various events surrounding his birth.
Thursday 2 Kings 24:8-17; Matt 7:21-29
Friday 2 Kings 25:1-12; Matt 8:1-4
Saturday Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19; Matt 8:5-17