23Jun
Sun 		12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Jer. 20:10-13
Ps. 69:8-10,14,17,33-35
Rom. 5:12-15
Mt. 10:26-33
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The readings recurring emphasis is on the infinite care of the Lord for each one. Jeremiah experiences the enduring presence of God at his side even when he is closest to despair. The psalm today has words of consolation for the needy: 'In your great love answer me, O God, with your help that never fails'. Jesus' tender care is expressed in the Gospel in a declaration of extravagant love.

Jesus is telling His disciples that whatever endangers them in the work of preaching His word is of little account. However much they feel damaged, harassed and even persecuted in the fulfilment of their Christian duties, there is within them a kernel of life which withstands all storms and which survives into eternal life. 'Do not be afraid', He reminds them, 'of those who kill the body'. The body, here, can be related to the more superficial aspects of life; it is life at the surface or at least life in its most temporary aspects that is in question.


Lord, You are a God of love. You have never abandoned Your people, so with You we have none to fear.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the leaders and members of different religions may co-operate in their search for world peace, based on conversion of hearts and brotherly dialogue.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That the leaders and members of different religions may co-operate in their search for world peace, based on conversion of hearts and brotherly dialogue.

While respecting others' beliefs, all religions are called on to form a spiritual United Nations under the common denominator of belief in God who unites us all. We as believers are asked to place our particular faith at the service of the common human good.

This religious goal of humanism should manifest itself in healthy co-operation and not mere coexistence among all the men and women in the world. The universal criterion for achieving a basic common denominator among all the religions is moving from instinctive and sentimental dimensions to social and spiritual ones. And the influence of religions on millions of people is so deep it can be said that without religious peace there cannot be world peace. "Religion and peace go together: unleashing a war in the name of religion is an obvious contradiction". (John Paul II).

Therefore, we must neutralise our disorderly inclinations: selfishness, pride, ambition, lust for money and power, self-sufficiency, a superiority complex. We cannot be at peace with ourselves if we are not at peace with God.



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