The theme of today’s readings “Be not afraid”. These are also the words of Encouragement of Jesus to the twelve (12) disciples as part of their mission (spreading the Word and kingdom of God). Jesus prepares them as they will encounter persecution, difficulties and opposition while following the Lord. Yet, He then assures God’s providence to them as they move forward to their mission.

Jesus uses the image of a sparrow “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your father’s knowledge”. During their time, sparrows were among the cheapest birds that they can buy or sell in the market. But God’s love and His kindness are not just like a cheap sparrow. He then assures that “you are worthy more than many sparrows.” His Divine Providence is a grace that we receive each and every day, even without you noticing.

Fear is an emotion or feeling whenever we are having a threat or danger in our lives. Yet, Jesus uses this word as a concern that we cannot hide anything from God. Thus, the secrets, deception, dishonesty and even our silent anger towards others will eventually be revealed – especially in the final judgement for God knew everything because He has the ultimate power and authority over all.

In everyday that we do, we are always called to the mission of following Christ. As part of the calling, how do you defend and speak your faith? Many of us are afraid of rejection, doubt, criticism, failure or even suffering. Until when will you be experiencing this while following the Lord? Jesus is directly talking to us that we should not be afraid, He is with us always and we should trust in His Divine Providence, for God knows us very well.

~ Fra. Francis

Sa Ebanghelyong ito, ang pinakaagaw-pansin sa akin ay ang sinabi ni Jesus na, “Huwag kayong matakot sa mga tao.” Malalim ang dating nito sa akin dahil dati, sobra akong natatakot sa sasabihin at iisipin ng ibang tao. Minsan ay nahihiya pa akong lumabas nang walang facemask dahil pakiramdam ko ay huhusgahan ako ng lahat. Mababa ang tingin ko sa sarili ko at iniisip kong wala akong
magiging kaibigan dahil sa aking hitsura. Akala ko ang ibang tao ang humihila sa akin pababa, ngunit kalaunan ay naunawaan kong ako mismo ang pinakamahigpit na humuhusga sa aking sarili.

Nang magsimula akong magsimba at maglingkod sa simbahan, unti-unti kong natutunang tanggapin at mahalin ang sarili ko. Sa pamamagitan ng aking pananampalataya, mas naramdaman ko ang pagmamahal ng Diyos at mas nakita ko ang aking halaga sa Kanyang mga mata. Dahil dito, naging mas matatag ako at natutong harapin ang aking mga takot nang may lakas ng loob at pagtitiwala sa Panginoon.

Ang Ebanghelyong ito ay nagpapaalala sa akin na hindi ko kailangang mabuhay sa takot. Ang araw-araw na paggising ay isang biyaya at panibagong pagkakataon upang magtiwala sa Diyos. Anuman ang pagsubok na dumating sa buhay, alam kong hindi Niya ako pababayaan. Siya ang gagabay at magpapalakas sa akin sa bawat hamon na aking haharapin.

Salamat sa Diyos dahil sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang salita, lalo pang tumitibay ang aking pananampalataya. Ang simpleng katagang “Huwag kang matakot” ay naging paalala sa akin na ang Diyos ay tunay na pag-ibig. Pinadama Niya sa akin na ako ay mahalaga, tinatanggap, at hindi kailanman nag-iisa.

In my life, I want to change my habit of being afraid of what other people think about me. I am learning to accept and embrace myself because God loves me just as I am. I hope to become stronger, more confident, and more faithful each day. I ask God to continue guiding me, helping me overcome my fears, and reminding me that I am never alone because He is always with me.

~ Ellie

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK
Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that I am precious in Your eyes and always under Your loving care. Help me to trust in You when I am afraid and to live my faith not only at church but also in my daily life. Give me the courage to witness to Your love through my words and actions wherever I go. Amen.

Originally published in the Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet Newsletter (June 21, 2026 issue).