12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Read the Sunday readings here: http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062208.shtml

The readings follow a particular pattern where the theme of persecution is strong. Jeremiah was a prophet to Israel during the time of the Babylonian captivity. The prophet makes clear that such an event was due to the sins of Israel - the worship of false gods and the sinful living of the people: immoral lifestyles and a lack of care for the poor and vulnerable. Such a message is never popular to convey, and Jeremiah has the unenviable task of doing so. Despite the fact that Jeremiah will die at the hands of those who hate him, he entrusts his life to God, knowing that he is doing the will of God: calling people back to the loving covenant relationship with God and protecting the poor. In our baptism we have been called to the prophetic role, and it is no easier now than it was then. We must entrust our lives to God and follow his will: call others to a loving relationship with God and care for the poor.

The responsorial psalm is in many ways a prophetic prayer. Those who live among us have forsaken God, and yet we try to remain faithful. If we remember the saving words and deeds of God not only in salvation history but also in our own lives then we are constantly aware of God's love and presence. It is the same in our human relationships. If we remember the loving actions of our spouse or parents, we are more likely to remain faithful and loving to them, for those memories inspire new acts of love and devotion that become added to the memories.

St. Paul's letter to the Romans functions as that reminder this week. Just as the death of one brought misery to the human race, so the death of the just one - Jesus - has brought the grace of God to all. That event is the ultimate event which we remember at each Eucharist - do this in memory of me. We remember the ultimate act of love, which in turn inspires us to perform acts of love for God to our neighbor.

Finally, the Gospel returns us to the theme of the first reading and responsorial psalm. We have no need to fear the harm others may do to our bodies, for they have no power over our souls where God resides. Jesus then reminds us of the care God has for the whole created order. How much greater is that care for us who carry within us the presence of God in our hearts! The memory of that fact then should lead us to acknowledge Jesus before others. It is not enough to merely acknowledge Jesus in our hearts. Religion is not merely a private matter; it is a most public affair. The ultimate acknowledgement of Jesus is not with words but the way we live our lives. May we be faithful in our relationship with God and Jesus by what we say and what we do.