A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”
As Jesus prepares the Twelve for courage under persecution in proclaiming the Gospel, he strengthens them with his words and assures them of God’s assistance and sure hand. As Jeremiah says in the first reading, “But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.” Not once or twice does Jesus tell the apostles not to be afraid; three times he tells them. What there is to fear, he tells them, is this: “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.” What, then, is there to fear when God goes before us?
God, help me call to mind your goodness throughout the day and give thanks for the strength you give to me when I am faint of heart. Give me the courage to acknowledge you in the name of your Son and proclaim loudly what he whispered in darkness to the apostles. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus says. Help me testify to you, Lord, who are truth itself.
From the Gospel acclamation: “The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord; and you also will testify.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.