This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, June 25th 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…And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna…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.’”
Reflection
“As Jesus told the Twelve, those who can kill the body but not the soul should not be feared. We have no less an obligation to bear witness to our faith in an often cynical and intolerant world. Our life in the Lord can overcome our very real fears in our day-to-day life.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Summer 2023
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Genesis 12:1-9; Matthew 7:1-5
Tuesday Genesis 13:2, 5-18; Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Wednesday Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Matthew 7:15-20
Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr (Memorial) – Born in Asia Minor, he studied in Rome and went to Lyons as a missionary priest and was eventually named bishop of Lyons. He was a disciple of St. Polycarp, who was himself a disciple of St. John the Evangelist. His most important contribution was his assertion that creation is not sinful by nature, but rather distorted by sin.
Thursday Acts 12:1-11; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19
Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity) – Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome and have been honored from the earliest days. Peter, whose name in Greek means “rock,” was originally called Simon. Jesus changed his name to Peter and told him that it was on this rock that he would build his Church. Paul, the “apostle of the Gentiles,” was born a Roman citizen and educated as a Pharisee. His experience of the risen Christ resulted in his conversion.
Friday Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; Matthew 8:1-4
Saturday Genesis 18:1-15; Matthew 8:5-17
SOURCE: Living with Christ, June 2023