TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
12 JULY, 2025
Matthew 10:24-33
Jesus said to his Apostles:
“No disciple is above his teacher,
no slave above his master.
It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher,
for the slave that he become like his master.
If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,
how much more those of his household!
“Therefore do not be afraid of them.
Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;
what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy
both soul and body in Gehenna.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?
Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.
Even all the hairs of your head are counted.
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.
But whoever denies me before others,
I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus reminds His disciples that following Him will come with challenges, opposition, and even persecution. Yet, He urges them not to fear those who can harm the body but cannot touch the soul. Instead, they are to live in reverent fear of God, who holds eternal authority. Jesus assures them of their worth in God’s eyes—each hair on their head is counted—and promises that those who acknowledge Him before others will be acknowledged before the Father. This call is both sobering and deeply comforting: discipleship may cost us in this life, but our eternal security is anchored in God’s faithful care.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You, even when the path is difficult. Help us to stand firm in faith, unafraid of human opposition, knowing that You are with us. Teach us to trust in Your sovereign care and to live boldly for You, proclaiming Your name with courage and love. Strengthen our hearts to remember that our worth is found in You and that You never forget or forsake us. Amen
