PERSECUTED FOR THE TRUTH? “DO NOT BE AFRAID FOR I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD”
Twelfth Sunday, Year A, Holy Spirit Pastoral Area, Byazhin, 25th June, 2023. Homily by Archbishop I. A. Kaigama
Readings: Jer. 20: 10-13; Rom 5: 12-15; Mt 10: 26-33.
PERSECUTED FOR THE TRUTH? “DO NOT BE AFRAID FOR I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD”
On this twelfth Sunday in ordinary time, our readings remind us to remain firmly rooted in our faith and not fall into despair in the face of persecution and suffering. Jeremiah reflects at length on the challenges of his vocation. Fidelity to his prophetic call cost him dearly; it pitted him against the whole nation of Judah. His life therefore is a great source of inspiration for all those who dedicate their lives to the Gospel and its values and propagate the truth irrespective of the different trials, knowing that God is right there with them.
In the first reading, we heard how Jeremiah’s prophecy was greeted with rejection as he carried out the mandate of God, by revealing the Lord’s intentions to His people, telling them all about the coming destruction that would happen because of their stubborn refusal to believe in God and to obey His commands. The powerful members of the aristocracy colluded with the false prophets to speak lies and falsehoods, by saying that God would bless and reward the king and the people of Judah; not speaking what the Lord truly delivered to them through Jeremiah.
In daring to go against the majority and all those false prophets, Jeremiah almost lost his life in the process, yet he remained firm in his faith and commitment, and did not let all the bitter experiences discourage him from his mission. As he suffered verbal and physical threats, thrown into prison to silence him, Jeremiah prayed and trusted in the Lord because God was with him, a mighty Warrior, standing by his side. The prophet knew that no matter what hardships he would have to endure and even in his darkest moments, the Lord would always support him and be with him. Jeremiah therefore teaches us that we are never alone in our sufferings, and we will always have God by our side, journeying with us and leading us to victory.
In the Gospel reading Jesus encourages us: “Do not be afraid, for everything that is now covered will be uncovered” (Mt. 10:26). This includes the plans of the evil ones who constantly threaten to persecute and destroy the just. He further exhorts us: “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell fire” (v. 28). He continues: “Every hair on your head has been counted” (v. 30). So, there is no need to be afraid!
Today in Holy Spirit Pastoral Area, Byazhin, 177 of brothers and sisters will receive the sacrament of Confirmation, while 6 others will be having their wedding solemnized. It is my prayer that those receiving these Sacraments today will receive the grace to be faithful witnesses of the message of Christ. St. Paul writing to the Romans in the second reading, compares Adam with Christ and confirms that in the struggle between good and evil, though evil may rage, but good will always triumph in the end. He draws our attention to the relationship between sin and death and the relationship between the consequences of Adam’s disobedience and Christ’s obedience. While Adam’s disobedience and sin brought death, Christ’s obedience brought us life. We must make conscious effort to desist from sin and every form of wrongdoing.
In our society full of threats against the righteous and innocent we are called to remain firmly rooted in God and we will surely overcome our trials. We have become familiar in our country with people who alter the truth for selfish gains or for fear of opposition, to the extent that one rarely finds individuals who choose to uphold the truth and stand by it come what may. It has become easy to confuse “what is” with “what ought to be” especially when “what is” has worked in our favour. It almost feels normal to bend the laws and sacrifice principles. It is very difficult to stand for the truth without receiving threats from opposition and hardly will a day pass without some news of terror.
We heard Jeremiah in the first reading expressing his frustration and anguish over the opposition he faced for delivering God’s message. “I hear many whisperings. Terror is on every side!” (Jer. 20:10). Despite the hardships, he expressed confidence that God was with him, giving him strength and protecting him from his enemies. We are urged to persevere in our faith, even when confronted with adversity. Like Jeremiah, we must declare with firm conviction, “But the Lord is with me, like a mighty Champion; my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph” (v. 11). Amid trials, we must also be careful to listen to the whispers of hope rather than the sounds of destruction. Jesus says to us, “do not be afraid,” repeated three times in today’s gospel. Remember, God cares, for “every hair on your head has been counted” (v. 30) and “you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows” (v. 31).
I urge you the Priest in Charge, Fr. Leo Kor, your collaborators, the candidates for confirmation, the couples to be joined in marriage and the entire parishioners of Holy Spirit Pastoral Area, Byazhin, to remain courageous witnesses to Christ and to be driven by the fear of God alone. It is better to please God and suffer for it than to please men and suffer eternal damnation.
Over a year ago when I visited you for the first time was to lay the foundation stone of your Church. Today you have gone so far. God bless and reward everyone for contributing to this project of faith.
