Jeremiah 20:10-13, Psalm 69 (68):8-10, 14, 17, 33-35, Romans 5:12-15 & Matthew 10:26-33
Do Not Be Afraid: God Knows, God Sees, God Saves
“Why is it that whenever we try to live faithfully, opposition seems to arise?” “That is exactly the experience we encounter in today’s readings.” The first reading came from one of the most painful periods in the prophet’s life. Jeremiah had been called by God to preach repentance to the people of Judah before the Babylonian invasion. Instead of being welcomed, he was rejected, mocked, threatened, and persecuted. His message was unpopular because he spoke the truth, even though people preferred comforting lies.
We hear Jeremiah confess: “I hear the whisperings of many: Terror on every side!” Even his friends are watching for him to fail. This passage is part of what scholars call Jeremiah’s “Confessions,” where the prophet opened his heart to God. He felt abandoned by people, yet he refused to abandon God. “So, what kept Jeremiah going?” His answer is powerful: “The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.” Though surrounded by enemies, Jeremiah believed that God sees the truth and will ultimately vindicate the righteous.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes the same theme. The psalmist suffered rejection because of his zeal for God. He became “a stranger” to his own family. Yet in the midst of suffering, he cried out in confidence, knowing that God hears the poor and the afflicted. “Isn’t that often the story of believers?” “Yes. Fidelity to God does not always bring applause. Sometimes it brings misunderstanding. But God never abandons those who trust in Him.”
In the second reading, St. Paul broadens the picture. He explains the great drama of salvation history. Through one man, Adam, sin entered the world, and through sin came death. Humanity became trapped in a condition it could not heal on its own. “But Paul didn’t stop there.” No. He immediately pointed to Christ. If Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death, Christ’s obedience brought grace and life. Paul emphasises that God’s gift is greater than humanity’s failure. The damage caused by sin is immense, but the mercy of Christ is even greater.
This is the background for understanding today’s Gospel. Jesus is preparing His disciples for mission in. He knows they will face rejection, persecution, and hostility. Therefore, before sending them out, two by two, He repeatedly told them: “Do not be afraid.” Notice how Jesus breaks down fear. First, He says: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” “What does that mean?”
Jesus is teaching His disciples to distinguish between temporary and eternal realities. Human beings may harm the body, reputation, or social standing, but they cannot take away one’s relationship with God. The soul belongs to God alone. Second, Jesus says: “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.”
Why mention sparrows? Because they were among the cheapest birds sold in the marketplace. If God notices even a tiny sparrow, how much more does He care for His children? Then comes one of the most beautiful lines in Scripture: “Even all the hairs of your head are counted.” Jesus is not giving a biology lesson. He is revealing God’s intimate knowledge of each person. Nothing about our lives escapes His loving attention.
“Then why are we afraid?” Because we often focus on the size of our problems rather than the greatness of God. Jesus reminds us that we are worth more than many sparrows. We are not anonymous before God. We are known, loved, and remembered. Finally, Jesus says: “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” This is a call to courageous discipleship. Faith is not meant to remain hidden. The disciple must witness to Christ in words, choices, values, and actions, even when it is costly. The common message running through all the readings today is that faithful people may suffer opposition, but they need not fear. Jeremiah faced enemies. The psalmist endured rejection. The disciples would face persecution. Yet all are sustained by the same truth: God is present and victorious. “Then why are we afraid?”
Because we often focus on the size of our problems rather than on the greatness of God, Jesus reminds us that we are worth more than many sparrows. We are not anonymous before God. We are known, loved, and remembered. A beautiful example of this truth is found in the story of Jesus calming the storm. The disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a violent storm arose. The waves crashed into the boat, and experienced fishermen feared for their lives. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep. In panic, they woke Him, crying out, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
Isn’t that our question sometimes? When troubles come, when prayers seem unanswered, when sickness, loss, or uncertainty enters our lives, we wonder, “Lord, do You not care?” Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind and the sea: “Peace! Be still!” Immediately, there was a great calm. Then He turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Notice that Jesus did not promise a life without storms. The storm still came. The waves were real. The danger was real. But His presence in the boat made all the difference. The lesson was not that believers will never face difficulties; the lesson was that they never face them alone.
Jeremiah experienced storms of persecution. The psalmist experienced storms of rejection. The disciples experienced storms on the sea and later storms of persecution. Yet God remained with them through it all. The same Lord who calmed the sea continues to speak to the storms in our hearts. Whenever fear threatens to overwhelm us, Jesus says, “Why are you afraid?” He is inviting us to trust not in our strength but in His presence. Faith is not the absence of fear; it is the courage to trust God in the middle of fear.
For our reflection today:
• What fears prevent me from witnessing openly to my faith?
• Am I seeking human approval more than God’s approval?
• Do I truly believe that God knows me personally and cares for me?
• When difficulties come, do I trust that God is my mighty champion?
The world often tells us to fear, fearing failure, rejection, criticism, and uncertainty. Jesus tells us something different: “Do not be afraid.” Not because suffering will disappear, but because God sees us, knows us, and walks with us. The God who sustained Jeremiah, redeemed humanity through Christ, and watches over every sparrow will never abandon His faithful children. Therefore, let us stand firm, trust deeply, and witness courageously to Christ. Amen.
