SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTIONS
from our Carmelite Friars
Photo by Ervin Gjata | Pixabay.com
LOVE PROTECTS
12TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading 1: Jeremiah 20:10-13
In this first reading, Jeremiah speaks of the terror that surrounds him. It must cause him to be troubled because enemies are out there watching for missteps and to take vengeance against Him. Should He protect Himself? Should he prepare to retaliate against his enemies? Jeremiah said, “ But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph… O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart… Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!” Those who live in the love of God trusts that He will defend and protect Him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
God will surely answer us because He deeply loves us. Those who truly loves, responds.
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Reading 2: Romans 5:12-15
In the Second Reading, we are reminded of how sin entered into the world through Adam; caused us to die because we have sinned. But this is not our end. Through Jesus Christ we are saved, we were protected and defended from eternal death.
“For if by the transgression of the one the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.”
Gospel: Matthew 10:26-33
In the Gospel, we are reminded that we should not fear. If God pays attention to the falling sparrows and number of hairs, He certainly pays attention on us. We are his beloved. Such paying attention requires us to acknowledge Jesus. To acknowledge requires an awareness on how God is present and is working in our lives. This gives us the courage to profess such love to others. Through this, we are acknowledged to the Father who, according to the Prophet Jeremiah, his enemies will not triumph.
“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.”