Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: Fear no one, speak, proclaim, do not he afraid. kill the body, do not be afraid, you are worth more, I will acknowledge

To the point: Jesus tells the Twelve (and us) that acknowledging him and doing his work will not be easy. This mission ought not be undertaken lightly because there will be opposition.

Neither, however, ought the mission be undertaken with trepidation, because God does not abandon us. Forces will oppose this mission, but a promise of divine care will sustain us.

Faithful disciples will be named in eternity.

Connecting the Gospel …

… to First Reading: Jesus’ words in the Gospel are particularized in the life of Jeremiah. Because he was faithful in proclaiming God’s word (he was persecuted, imprisoned, and threatened with death), Jeremiah was protected and sustained by God.

… to experience: that serve the greater good, for example, firefighters, police, Doctors without Borders, foreign missionaries, etc. The greatest good that we serve is the mission of Christ.

**From Saint Louis University