Jesus comes to his own people and they persecute him. This will also be the fate of his disciples. They waver due to their fears. 

Jesus senses the fears that his apostles harbor. These are the twelve disciples he sends to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And their fears are not groundless. After all, he has just told the Twelve of the persecutions that await them.

Still and all, he encourages three times to get over their fears. In the first place, the missionaries are to announce boldly the Good News in such a way that all hear and grasp it well. It, in any case, cannot but be brought to the open and made known. Nothing, no one, can slow it down or chain it.

In the second place, if one cannot avoid being afraid, it is God that one has to fear, not humans.  He is mightier than humans. Yet the Almighty is, at the same time, more loving and kinder than human fathers.  So, in the third place, his sons and daughters who work with him and with his Sent One can count on his protection. It is enough for the fearful children to put their trust in their Father in heaven. He cares for the sparrow; he cares, for sure, for those who are worth more than sparrows.

No, Christ’s missionaries should not fear the wolves among them, that is to say, fellow believers who reject them. They cannot accept Christ and those he sends, in part, because they think they are more righteous than them. They, after all, keep the law strictly and defend it staunchly. And so, one could very well say of them what St. Gregory the Great says of arrogant teachers. These do not listen and hardly talk to those they deem to be below them; they just lay down the law.

Christians can be wolves, too. Those Jesus sends should not fear them.

Lord Jesus, help us get over our fears of the wolves in our midst, of arrogant leaders who are after honor, power and wealth. Far be it from us to play the master (SV.EN XI:313). And grant that we do not betray, due to the divisions and factions we foster, what your Supper means (see 1 Cor 11, 17-29). Give us, besides, the courage and strength to go on a “synodal journey” so that your gracious gifts overflow for all.

25 June 2023
12th Sunday in O.T. (A)
Jer 20, 10-13; Rom 5, 12-15; Mt 10, 26-33