St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are in the twelfth week in ordinary time. In the first reading we hear of prophet Jeremiah’s complaint and lament. Trust and praise combined in laments makes sense when we consider that complaint is rooted in confidence in God. Jeremiah sees his current sufferings as a test of his fidelity and perseverance in the Lord. Eventually God will hear Jeremiah’s cause and deliver him from the persecution he endures.

The second reading builds the typology of Christ as the new Adam. Jesus’ obedience triumphs Adam’s disobedience, sin and death. Humanity’s relationship with God was ruptured due to sin . Our Lord restored humanity to a proper relationship with God by His death and resurrection.

In the Gospel the Lord gives courage to the apostles before commissioning them to boldly proclaim the Good News from the housetops. They face a real threat, not just of persecution, but of martyrdom. For this reason the Lord exhorts them not to fear for they are more valuable in God’s presence. Whom do we fear? Do we acknowledge God before others?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony