Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Do not fear men,” Jesus says. He is talking about fearing those who persecute you for your faith. In the verses preceding this Gospel passage, he tries to prepare us for persecution and says that just as people did to him (Jesus), they would do to his followers. But what happened to Jesus? He was crucified, but he rose from the dead. He triumphed over his persecutors. They couldn't stop him. And that's what he promises us too. We may suffer any persecution, ridicule, or discrimination for our faith, but we cannot be destroyed as long as we hold to that faith. The best way to keep the faith alive is to give it to others. It sounds like a contradiction, but it means that when we spread the faith, our faith grows too. Sure, it takes courage to tell someone else about our faith, but when we share our stories about what God means to us, we relive those experiences and remember what God has done for us. And when we allow others to share their faith with us, we feel encouraged and supported. That's why Jesus says there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed: True faith is never hidden; it must be shared. Sometimes we may hesitate when speaking about faith. If we are tempted to remain silent, we are allowing the devil to have his way. The only thing we should fear is our weakness, not Satan's power. That's why Jesus said that whoever denies him before men, he will also deny him. However, Jesus died for our sins, so not even they can destroy us if we turn to the Lord. Just as God knows every sparrow that falls, He also knows us when we fall, and He values ​​us far more than sparrows. So thank Him for His forgiveness, but don't forget to spread the word that you've been forgiven. You might encourage someone else to have the courage to return to the Lord, and thus achieve another victory of faith that overcomes fear.