6/21/2026 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 10:26-33
26 Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.
27 What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
28 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.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.
30 Even all the hairs of your head are counted.
31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.
33 But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
6/21/2026 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: Matthew 10:26-33
This Gospel is a powerful reminder that disciples of Christ are called to live with courage, trust, and faithfulness. Jesus knew that His followers would face opposition, criticism, and even persecution. Yet instead of encouraging fear, He encouraged confidence in God’s loving care and protection.
The message of this Gospel can be easily remembered through the word BRAVE.
B – Believe in God’s Truth
Jesus assures His disciples that truth will ultimately prevail. Lies may spread, misunderstandings may arise, and injustice may seem to win for a time, but God’s truth cannot remain hidden forever. As Christians, we are called to stand firmly on what is right even when it is unpopular.
In our world today, it can be tempting to compromise our values to gain acceptance. Yet God invites us to remain faithful. When we believe in His truth, we find the courage to live with integrity. A person who walks in truth may face challenges, but that person also enjoys the peace that comes from knowing they are pleasing God.
R – Reject Fear
Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to discipleship. Fear of failure, rejection, criticism, or suffering can prevent us from doing what God asks of us. Jesus repeatedly reminds His followers not to allow fear to control their lives.
Rejecting fear does not mean pretending that difficulties do not exist. Rather, it means recognizing that God’s power is greater than any problem we face. Fear focuses on obstacles; faith focuses on God’s presence. When we place our trust in Him, fear loses its grip on our hearts.
Every day presents opportunities to choose faith over fear. Whenever we choose courage, we allow God to work through us in powerful ways.
A – Acknowledge God’s Care
One of the most comforting themes in this Gospel is God’s intimate care for each person. Nothing escapes His attention. He knows our joys, struggles, hopes, and worries. We are never forgotten, ignored, or abandoned.
Many people feel insignificant in a world filled with billions of people. Yet God knows each individual personally and loves each one completely. He sees our hidden sacrifices, hears our prayers, and understands our deepest needs.
Remembering God’s care gives us confidence during difficult times. When life becomes uncertain, we can rest in the assurance that we are precious in His eyes and constantly under His loving gaze.
V – Value Your Faith Publicly
Jesus challenges His followers to be unafraid to identify themselves as His disciples. Faith is not meant to remain hidden. It should be reflected in our words, actions, attitudes, and decisions.
Publicly valuing our faith does not necessarily mean speaking loudly about religion all the time. Often it means living differently—showing kindness when others choose cruelty, offering forgiveness when others seek revenge, and standing for justice when others remain silent.
Our lives become a testimony to God’s goodness. When others see our faith in action, they may be inspired to seek God themselves.
E – Entrust Everything to God
The Gospel ultimately calls us to place our lives completely in God’s hands. We cannot control every circumstance, predict every outcome, or eliminate every challenge. But we can trust the One who holds the future.
Entrusting everything to God means surrendering our fears, plans, successes, failures, and even our reputation. It means believing that God’s love is stronger than any hardship we encounter.
When we trust Him fully, we discover a freedom that the world cannot give. We no longer live as prisoners of anxiety but as children of a loving Father.
Let us therefore be BRAVE by:
B – Believing in God’s Truth
R – Rejecting Fear
A – Acknowledging God’s Care
V – Valuing Your Faith Publicly and
E – Entrusting Everything to God
Jesus calls us to be brave not because life is easy, but because God is always with us. When we believe His truth, reject fear, acknowledge His care, value our faith, and entrust everything to Him, we become courageous disciples who shine His light in a world that desperately needs hope.
Go here to read further Gospel reflection.
