RENUNGAN – 21 JUNE 2026
Reflection 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Theme: “The Lord Is at Our Side”
The readings for this Sunday speak to a reality that every believer experiences: fear, opposition, and uncertainty. Yet they also proclaim a powerful truth—when God is with us, fear does not have the final word. The Lord stands at our side, strengthening, protecting, and guiding us through every trial.
In the first reading, Book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah feels abandoned and attacked. His enemies are waiting for him to fail. He hears whispers of accusation and threats all around him. Yet in the midst of his suffering, Jeremiah makes a remarkable profession of faith: “The Lord is with me like a mighty champion.” He does not deny his fears, but he entrusts them to God. His confidence comes not from his own strength but from the certainty that God fights alongside him.
Many of us can relate to Jeremiah. We face criticism, disappointments, misunderstandings, and struggles that make us feel alone. At times, we may wonder whether God sees our pain. Jeremiah reminds us that faith is not the absence of difficulties; faith is trusting that God remains present within them.
In the second reading from Letter to the Romans, St. Paul contrasts Adam and Christ. Through Adam came sin and death, but through Christ comes grace and life. Paul assures us that God’s gift is greater than humanity’s failures. No sin, weakness, or brokenness is stronger than the mercy of Christ. When the Lord is at our side, grace triumphs over fear, and hope overcomes despair.
The Gospel from Gospel of Matthew continues this message of courage. Jesus tells His disciples three times: “Do not be afraid.” He knows they will face rejection and persecution. Yet He assures them that they are precious in God’s eyes. Even the hairs of their heads are counted. If God cares for the smallest sparrow, how much more does He care for His beloved children?
Jesus is not promising a life without problems. Rather, He promises His presence in every circumstance. The disciple’s confidence comes from knowing that God sees, knows, and loves them completely. Fear shrinks when we remember that we never walk alone and Jesus reminds us that our value comes from God, not from human approval.
A beautiful example is Saint Thomas More. He was a respected lawyer and Chancellor of England. When King Henry VIII demanded that everyone acknowledge him as head of the Church in England, Thomas More refused because it was against his conscience and faith. He knew that his decision could cost him his position, his freedom, and even his life. Despite his fears, he remained faithful to Christ.
Before his execution in 1535, Thomas More declared that he died as “the King’s good servant, but God’s first.” He trusted that God’s judgment was more important than human power. His courage reflects Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
Like Saint Thomas More, we may not be called to die for our faith, but we are called to live it courageously—in our families, workplaces, schools, and communities. Whenever we are tempted to remain silent about what is right or to compromise our Christian values, we can remember Jesus’ promise that He is always with us.
As we celebrate this Eucharist, may we renew our trust in God. When challenges arise, may we remember that the Lord is our mighty champion. When we feel weak, may we rely on His grace. And when fear threatens to overwhelm us, may we hear once again the reassuring words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
May our lives proclaim Christ openly, trust Him completely and follow Him courageously. Amen.
Kat. Apollonius Sitiol
