EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A, 2026 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

 Isaiah 55:1-3; Psalm 145:8-9,15-18; Romans 8:35, 37-39; Matthew 14:13-21

 

The first reading is God’s message of consolation to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. At that time, the exiles were in despair and desolation. Many of them no longer trusted that God was going to take care of them. Through Prophet Isaiah, God called upon them: “All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; come without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy? … Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.”

 

This message is very relevant to us during these difficult and trying times. In one way or another, we are all hungry, thirsty, and sick. God, the origin and source of life, invites us, “Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life.” The Collect prayer of last Sunday’s Mass reminds us that without God nothing is holy and nothing has firm foundation. Why, then, spend our money for what is not “bread” and wages for “what does not satisfy”? That is, why, then, seek satisfaction and solutions in worldly and ungodly things?

 

In the gospel, Jesus withdrew himself to a deserted place to mourn the death of his cousin, John the Baptist. The vast crowd discovered where he went and followed him. Jesus was moved with pity and cured the sick among them, and miraculously fed the hungry crowd with five loaves and two fish. Although Jesus was grieving, he did not turn the people away. Someone called Jesus “The Wounded Healer.” John 6:37 says, “All that the Father gives to me come to me, and whoever comes to me, I shall not turn away.”

 

We pray that difficult and trying times do not weaken our faith or make us lose our faith in God. St. Paul encourages us in the second reading that anguish, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword must not separate us from the love of Christ. St. Paul adds, “No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” No matter what comes our way, “we conquer overwhelmingly” if we are close to God through Jesus Christ.

 

Hebrews 13:6 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” His saving grace and miraculous deeds remain abundant in our time. Let us, therefore, accept God’s invitation in our moments of exile, desert, thirst and hunger, sickness, heavy burden, despair, and desolation. These are not the moments to seek solutions and satisfaction outside God (“spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy”).

 

In the gospel, when it was evening, the disciples said to Jesus, ‘“This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.’” Jesus could have decided not to attend to the crowd because it was a time of a great loss for him, the murdering of his cousin, John the Baptist. Jesus could have listened to his disciples’ suggestion to dismiss the crowd so that they could “go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But he did not.

 

By his action, Jesus taught his disciples and teaches us a few lessons: to have hearts of compassion for people in need; that our difficulties and limitations should not be excuses to neglect or dismiss those in need; to be wounded healers like him; and that God multiplies abundantly his blessings when we share the little we have with the needy. We are invited not only to share material things but also our presence, time, talent, etc., with the needy.

 

In one of his homilies, St. Basil the Great challenges those who are slow in charity: “You avoid meeting people in case you might be obliged to part with even a little of what you have. You can say only one thing: ‘I have nothing to give you. I am only a poor man.’ Indeed, you are poor and utterly destitute. Poor in love, poor in humanity, poor in faith in God…” (On Charity 3, 6).

 

A few Sundays ago, we reflected on how the widow of Zarephath shared with Elijah a handful of flour and a little jar of oil, the only food that remained for her and her son. What was the result? God multiplied the flour and the oil and “She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry…” (1 King 17:7-16).

 

God multiplies his blessings for those who trust in him, who come to him, and who have a charitable heart.

 

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A, 2026 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12, Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130; Roman 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-52

Solomon was a young man when he became the king of Israel. In his dream, God said to him, “Ask something of me, and I will give it to you.” Solomon replied, “…I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act…Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” God was pleased that Solomon made this request, and said to Solomon, “Because you have asked this – not for long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right – I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you…  In addition, … I give you such riches and glory that among kings there will be no one like you all your days.”

 

Solomon’s encounter with God brings Jesus’ words to mind: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33). Solomon’s prayer challenges us since most times our prayers are for our material needs.

 

The Book of Proverbs says, “Get wisdom, get understanding!... Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will safeguard you” (Proverbs 4:5-9). Wisdom is the first of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:3).

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is so priceless that we are to “sell all that we have to buy it.” Jesus means that we must give up all worldly things which might prevent us from entering the kingdom of heaven. St. Paul describes the kingdom that awaits us, “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him, this God has revealed to us through the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Why should I allow worldly passing things to prevent me from going to such an eternal place?

 

On the way to the kingdom are constant challenges of distinguishing right from wrong, of discerning between good and evil, and of making wise judgements and good choices. It is a journey beyond human wisdom alone. St. Paul says, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight” (1 Corinthians 3:19). When and where God is set aside and we operate only with human wisdom, we put ourselves in danger of mistakes, errors, bad choices, sin, and destruction.

 

With God’s wisdom, we are able to put what is good into the bucket and throw away what is bad. Therefore, we are encouraged to pray for God’s wisdom to guide us at every moment. St. James advises us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and [the person] will be given” (James 1:5). Tobit advised his son Tobiah, “Seek counsel (wisdom) from every wise person, and do not think lightly of any useful advice” (Tobit 4:18). Sadly, some people seek counsel from unwise persons and from evil minded persons who lead them astray.

 

St. Paul states in the second reading, “Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for the good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” This statement has three segments. (1) “… all things work for the good.”  (2) “… for those who love God.” (3) “… who are called according to his purpose.” The second and the third segments are requirements for the first segment. While we pray that all things work for our good, we are to love God by obeying his commands, trusting in him, and surrendering to him. We are to follow God’s call and purpose, not our desires and will. We are active participants for all things to work for our good.

 

There are five graces we can pray for from today’s readings:

 

1.     We pray for the grace to be guided by God’s wisdom to enable us distinguish right from wrong, to discern between good and evil, and to make wise judgements and good choices.

 

2.     We pray for the grace to love God by obeying his commands, by trusting him, and by surrendering to him in all things.

 

3.     We pray for the grace to follow God’s call and purpose, not our desires and will.

 

4.     We pray that all things, even the ugliest things which come our way, may work for our good.

 

5.     We pray that on our way to the kingdom of heaven, we will run a good race and keep the faith and earn the crown of righteousness at the end. Amen.

 

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A, 2026 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-30

 

The first reading reminds us that God is God of mercy and also God of justice. 

 

God of mercy:

·       “There is no God besides you who have care for all …”

 

·       “… your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all.”

 

·       “But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much leniency you govern all …”

 

God of justice:

·       “For your might is the source of justice …”

 

·       “You show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved.”

 

·       “… and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity (disrespect).”

 

We sing in today’s Psalm:

“You, O Lord are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call upon you. … You, O Lord, are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity.”

 

Yes, God cares for all and is lenient to all; at the same time, he shows his might when his power is disbelieved! We all have testimonies when and where God has shown his power when he is disbelieved.

 

The parable of the weeds among the wheat is a touching story of how an enemy sowed weeds in a wheat field. Note the time when the enemy went to destroy another person’s good work; at night, “While everyone was asleep…” The world would definitely be a better place if those who carry out evil deeds spend such time and effort in doing good works.

 

The question we often ask is, “Why does God not intervene promptly and root out evil and evil people?” That is the same question the servants asked their master, ‘“Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest.”’ We may not be able to unravel the mystery behind the presence of evil in the world, and the mystery of what we often call ‘God’s silence.’

 

The parable concludes, “… then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, ‘First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.’” This means that there is always a time of reckoning when good triumphs over evil; when God shows his justice and his might.

 

Last Sunday, we prayed that God keeps us from thorns of the evil one’s trials, temptations, and machinations, since the thorns are part of life. Today too, we continue to pray that God keeps us from the evil one’s weeds of trials, temptations, and machinations, since the weeds are part of life. The evil one and his agents will never stop planting thorns and sowing weeds. We are, therefore, encouraged to stay strong and not to allow ourselves to be overtaken by the thorns and the weeds of the evil one. St. Paul challenges us in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” St. Peter encourages us, “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8).

 

Another striking point about the parable is the reaction of the servants and the response of the field owner. The servants wanted to go immediately and pull up the weeds. The servants represent the times we make premature judgements and take premature actions. The field owner, on the other hand, teaches us resilience among weeds and calm in the midst of storm.

 

Our journey through thorns, thistles, weeds, and storms of life is not a journey by “flesh” alone. It is not journey by power and by might. We constantly need spiritual sustenance. For that reason, St. Paul advises us in the second reading to always pray in the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, who intercedes to God on our behalf “with inexpressible groaning.” Our faith is that, despite our sins, weaknesses, and unworthiness, through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love and mercy of God, and the companionship of the Holy Spirit, victory over the over one is ours. Amen.

 

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A 2026 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 65:10-14; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-9

 

The first reading is Prophet Isaiah’s admonition to the people of Israel to accept the word of God because, not only that it is life-giving, it must surely come to fulfilment. He uses two familiar weather elements, rain and snow, to describe the effects of the word of God. Human beings are the earth watered by the word to make us fertile and fruitful. Without God’s word, human beings become wastelands. May we have the same experience like Jeremiah who exclaimed, “When I found your words, I devoured them; your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart” (Jeremiah 15:16), and the psalmist, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

 

In the second reading, St. Paul describes creation’s suffering, pain, and futility until the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, came and set creation free from slavery to corruption in order to share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. Slavery to corruption means to be controlled by moral decay, sin, and destructive habits. The Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, sets free individuals, peoples, groups, communities, organizations, churches, states, countries, and so on, when they listen to the word and accept it.

 

In the gospel, Jesus gives us the Parable of the Sower and, also, its meaning: The word of God is the seed, and we are either the path, or the rocky ground, or among thorns, or the rich soil where the word falls on or where the word is sown. We pray not to be the path, or the rocky ground, or among thorns. We pray to be the rich soil so that we can bear lasting fruit, “a hundred, or sixty or thirty.”

 

We are not to be like the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and theirs scribes who nullify the word of God in favor of human traditions. All human-made laws, rules, and regulations are limited and, at some point, become obsolete. But the word of God is limitless and everlasting. Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

 

One of the conversion moments of St. Augustine of Hippo was when he was weeping and agonizing over his spiritual struggles in a garden in Milan. Then, he heard a voice that chanted repeatedly from a nearby house, “Tolle, lege” (Latin for “Pick it up and read, pick it up and read”). He picked up the Bible, opened it at random and read the first passage his eyes fell upon, Romans 13:13-14, “Let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.” After reading this passage, St. Augustine experienced a flood of light that cleared his lingering doubts. There and then, he took an immediate decision to fully commit to the Christian faith.

 

The same voice sings to us today, “Pick it up your Bible and read, pick it up your Bible and read.” St. Jerome tells us that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.

 

A friend of my shared with me where he belongs in Jesus’ Parable of the Sower. He said that he does not belong among those who fell on the path because he is steady with his faith and goes to Mass. For the same reason, he does not see himself as among those who fell on rocky ground. He says that he sees himself among those who fell on rich soil but there are thorns all over the rich soil. How not to be choked by the thorns is the problem.

 

Many of us can identify with my friend’s situation. Daily in our way are thorns of trials and temptations, and thorns of evil one’s machinations. Thorns, spiritual or physical, are part of life. Jesus says, “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). In John 17:15, Jesus does not pray that God takes us out from the world. He prays that God keeps us from the evil one.

 

We are encouraged, today, to let the word of God dwell richly in us and rule our lives (Colossians 3:16). With God’s word, we are conquerors. With the word of God, we dwell in the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1). “Even though [we] walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [we] will fear no evil, for you are with [us]; your rod and your staff comfort [us]” (Psalm 23:4). Amen.

 

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A 2026 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

 Zechariah 9:9-10; Psalm 145:1-14; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30

 

The first reading is Prophet Zechariah’s prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ. As we see in the reading, Zechariah prophesied Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, “See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is he, meek, and riding on an ass, a foal of an ass.” In this prophecy, Zechariah recognizes Jesus as king and just savior. Zechariah explains Jesus’ ministry: He will banish the chariot, the horse and warrior’s bow; proclaim peace; and his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. Christianity which is Jesus’ dominion extends from the Sea of Galilee (where he preached) and the River Jordan (where he was baptized) to every part of the world.

 

Our world, at this time, is weighed down by the burdens and yokes of “the chariot, the horse and warrior’s bow” (endless wars, conflicts, and violence). We continue to pray that peace is proclaimed and accepted in places of wars, conflicts, and violence.

 

Jesus came to a people who were burdened and who were under several yokes. They were under the burden and yoke of the Roman colonial masters and corrupt officials. The ordinary people were under the yoke and burden of rules and regulations of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the lawyers, the scribes, and the chief priests. The Samaritans (Gentiles) were under the burden and yoke of rejection by the Jews. Additionally, many people were also under the burden and yoke of sicknesses and demonic possessions. Very importantly, the whole world, at that time, was under the burden and yoke of sin and in need of salvation. For all these, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

 

Jesus’ invitation is for us. Not only that we are weighed down by all kinds of political, economic, and social burdens and yokes, we are, also, weighed down by all kinds of afflictions. As we work hard physically and struggle to cope with situations around us, we need spiritual sustenance from the Lord. We do not take spiritual sustenance lightly. By “flesh” (human strength) alone, failure is certain.

 

This is why St. Paul encourages us in the second reading not to be “in the flesh;” that is, not to be self-reliant apart from God. St. Paul stresses the importance of keeping God’s Spirit alive in us. Paul says, “If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also…” Jesus says in John 6:63, “It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail.” The Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead is the Holy Spirit. In the Creed we pray, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.” The Holy Spirit gives us life by granting us strength to overcome sin, trials, and temptations. We know that God’s Spirit is alive in us by the manifestation of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus says, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20).

 

When Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you … For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”  A yoke is a wooden crosspiece fixed on animal’s neck, shoulder, or forehead to pull heavy load/burden or to plow land. Yoke is usually stiff and hard on an animal. Each of us has his or her yoke that enables us to pull and plow through life. Some of us wear stiff and hard yoke. Some of us are pulling heavy burden. This is why Jesus invites us so that he replaces our stiff and hard yoke with his easy yoke, and makes light the burden we pull. It is important to note that Jesus does not promise to remove our yoke and our burden completely. Rather, he promises a replacement. In our prayers, we bring to Jesus our stiff, or stuck, or locked yokes. May he break them, remove them, and replace them. Amen.

 

Also in today’s gospel, Jesus praises God who reveals to little one what he has hidden from the wise and the learned. We pray to God, “Revealer of Secrets” (Daniel 2:47), for divine revelations in whatever way it pleases him. We pray to God to reveal to us the hidden things that we are desiring, seeking, and praying for. May God reveal to us things hidden from us by men and women. May God reveal to us hidden truths. May God reveal to us things hidden from us by unknown forces. Like Jesus, may we praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, as we give testimonies of your divine revelations. Amen and amen.

 

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A, 2026 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

2 Kings 4:4-11,14-16; Psalm 89:2-19; Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; Gospel 10:37-42

The first reading is from 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16. However, verses 12-13 (omitted) have an important message. It reads, “He [Elisha] told his servant Gehazi to go and call the woman. When she came, he said to Gehazi, ‘Ask her what I can do for her in return for all the trouble she has had in providing for our needs. Maybe she would like me to go to the king or army commander and put in a good word for her.’ ‘I have all I need here among my own people,’ she answered.”

 

The woman and her husband provided for Elisha and his servant. They did this out of their generosity and goodwill and did not expect anything in return. When she was asked what she needed (as a reward), she said that she needed nothing. She said, “I have all I need here among my own people.” She did not need any favors from the army commander or the king. She did not even ask for prayer for herself to conceive and have a child. It was Elisha’s servant who asked for a child on her behalf.

 

In 1 King 17:7-16, the widow of Zarephath fed Elijah from a handful of flour and a little jar of oil, the only food that remained for the widow and her son, which according to the widow, “when we have eaten it, we shall die” due to the famine. She got her reward. “She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry…” God rewards generous and goodwill people!

 

Jesus tells us in today’s gospel, “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple… will surely not lose his reward.”

 

It is important that we express gratitude to those who pay their tithe to the Church; those who give various kinds of donations to the Church, to Church missions and establishments for the work of evangelization; those who sponsor the training of seminarians; and those who volunteer for all kinds of mission work and services in the Church far and near and do not expect any material reward in return.

 

We also pray for governments, churches, organizations, and individuals who, generously, undertake works of mercy and charity to helping and supporting the needy in our community, the society, and the world.

 

May God who rewarded the Shunamite woman and her husband and the widow of Zarephath reward all generous and goodwill people. Psalm 20:3 prays, “May God remember your every offering, and graciously accept your burnt offering.” In Luke 6:38, Jesus promises, “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” St. Francis of Assisi says, “For it is in giving that we receive.”

 

The message today challenges our world driven by the selfishness, self-interest, self-seeking, and self-serving attitudes of ‘What’s in it for me?’ and ‘string attached mentality,’ which can be known as “Judas Mentality.” Judas asked the chief priests, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” (Matthew 26:15). Sadly, the age-old sins of ‘What’s in it for me?’ and ‘string attached mentality’ pervade all areas of human existence and have brought so much horror and pain to humanity. Many human-made disasters, far and near, are caused by the sin of ‘What’s in it for me?’

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Jesus is referring to selfishness, self-interest, self-seeking, and self-serving attitudes. Jesus continues, “… and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus is referring to self-love attitude.

 

We are invited to examine our relationships and dealings, and see where we have offended God and our fellow human beings by sins of selfishness, self-interest, self-seeking, self-serving, and self-love. St. Paul tells us in the second reading to die to these sins in order to become worthy of Christ and live “for God in Christ.”

 

The Shunamite woman and her husband, and the widow of Zarephath who provided for the prophets without expecting anything in return are great models of generosity and goodwill we can imitate.

 

Human beings may not be able to reward. Human beings may even fail to remember. God remembers. God rewards. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

 

TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A, 2026 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

 Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 69:10-17, 33-35; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33

 Jeremiah was one of the prophets God sent to prophesy to the people of Israel to turn from their sinful ways or they would face divine judgment. Jeremiah prophesied that since the people had failed to repent of their evil ways, a foreign power was going to conquer them, take them captives, and destroy the temple and Jerusalem. For such prophecy, Jeremiah was persecuted and was nearly killed. The first reading is a prayer of Jeremiah while he was being persecuted. Jeremiah teaches us to commit our persecutors into God’s hand. He prayed:

 “But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not prevail. In their failure, they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. …  Let me see the vengeance you take on them, for to you, I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the Lord, … For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the evildoers! (Jeremiah 20:11-13).

 Jeremiah represents messengers of truth everywhere who are persecuted, or silenced, or eliminated: in families, neighborhoods, groups, workplaces, institutions, organizations, churches, countries, and so on.

 Today’s gospel is Jesus’ encouragement to his apostles to be fearless in proclaiming the Good News. He reminded them that, later on, their witnessing the Good News would attract persecution. He encouraged them not to be discouraged because their sustenance would come from God.

 Violent persecution of Christians is going on in several parts of the world. In those places, Christians are killed, church buildings and properties are burned down or destroyed. Christians’ rights and privileges are denied them or taken away from them. We pray for the Christians who stay strong in those places and dangerous conditions.

 Another type of persecution is anti-Christian policies whereby anti-Christian foundations are being dismantled. Christian principles, values, symbols, education, and identifications are condemned as offensive and removed. The adverse effects of the anti-Christian actions on the society are obvious. It is clearly seen in the rise of all kinds of crimes and crises. Someone says, “Life without Christ is Crises.”

 Jesus tells us in today’s gospel not to be afraid or discouraged. Jesus says, “… Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul … Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father…” By this statement, Jesus promises rewards to those who remain witnesses during persecution.

 Jesus’ encouragement to those persecuted does not dismiss the fact that it is the responsibility of governments to protect the citizens from kidnapping, torture, abuses, destruction, and mindless killings by persecutors. It is heartbreaking to see governments persecuting their own citizens, and governments being collaborators and accomplices with persecutors’ heinous persecutions and crimes as it is the case in Nigeria.

 According to a news report, between 2015 and 2025, at least 212 Catholic priests were kidnapped in Nigeria. 15 were murdered. The real number of cases is certainly higher. These figures do not include the religious men and women, and leaders of other Christian denominations who suffered the same fate. Countless number of churches and church properties were burned down or destroyed. The exact number of hundreds of communities destroyed and displaced people is not known. The persecution is continuing unabated in 2026.

 However, it is easy for us to see persecution out there but fail to see persecution within (amongst ourselves). Do we intentionally and knowingly persecute others by our words and actions?

 Jesus promises us in today’s gospel that all the hairs of our heads are counted and that we are not to be afraid. We earnestly pray for God’s divine intervention in the lives of victims of persecution and violence.

 Let us conclude with Prophet Jeremiah’s prayer in the first reading:

 “The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not prevail. In their failure, they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. …  Let me see the vengeance you take on them, for to you, I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the Lord, … For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the evildoers!” Amen.