My dear people of God, this weekend we are celebrating the 12th Sunday in the Ordinary Time Year A. In our liturgy this weekend, we are being reminded not to be afraid to stand up for our faith. As God’s children, we should not be ashamed to witness for our faith wherever we find ourselves. To be a true prophet of God is not an easy job, because, God’s prophets are burned with zeal for the house of God. They accept, embrace, promote and defend God’s cause; before them any taunts against God cannot stand. As a result of their zeal for the house of God, their way of life goes contrary to those who stand against God’s commandments. They encounter crises and they endured lots of tribulations. The prophet cannot be truly faithful to his name and vocation without touching what the world held very dear, and without saying what the world despises to hear. Such was the situation of Prophet Jeremiah. In the first reading of this Liturgy, the life of the prophet Jeremiah is presented as a condemnation of the hypocrisy and infidelity of his contemporaries. Prophet Jeremiah preached and suffered in Jerusalem. In the face of idolatry, he spoke out fearlessly against the evil of his time, he was hated, heartbroken, denounced by family and friends and imprisoned. He felt alone, betrayed and discourage, and even felt abandoned by God. However, he understood the bond of love between God and his people. In his heart-rending words, Jeremiah expresses confidence in God when on trial. He kept faith in God’s promises and was sure that God who sent him on a mission was with him. He said, “but the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore, my persecutors will stumble…” His feelings about being an outcast, a stranger to his people, the insults against him, and at the same time, his desire to praise God, finds perfect expression in the Responsorial Psalm which says, Lord in your steadfast love answer me. He knew that God’s time is the best. He believed that the God of Israel, the true and living God, will prevail against his persecutors. Prophet Jeremiah was not afraid to carry out his prophetic mission, because, he was faithful to God. As God’s children and followers of Christ, we should not be afraid to speak out for Jesus. That is the primary message of today’s gospel. Today, Jesus is telling us to fear only God who has power and authority over our lives, who out of love has made us in his likeness. The human authority can harm the flesh, but has no power or authority over the spirit. Do not be afraid he said, that means, we should believe and trust in God always. That is why we have saints and Martyrs in the Church. For the Spirit we have received at Baptism and Confirmation is not for fear and timidity, but of power, love and self control (cf. 2nd Timothy 1.7). And so, we should not be ashamed, and feel discouraged by being Christ witnesses in our society. The situation in our world today is such that we need to stand up for truth. There are too many falsehoods and confusion that leads many souls astray. As members of God’s household, we need to stand firm and make clear our Catholic faith concerning work, politics and family life. We should not be afraid of being criticized, avoided by close friends and family, slandered because we go against the current or what happens to be fashionable. Let us remember that one with God is always a majority, and the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Jesus has made it clear that anyone who testifies him before humans, he will acknowledge before his Father in heaven… You may be passing through tough moments in your life; do not be afraid, God has your back. Are you struggling with so many things? Is your life going to the brink? Do not be frightened! God protects you. Your relationship or marriage may appear to be in a trouble mode, do not be afraid, God’s grace is sufficient for you. You may be suffering from betrayal from those you trust; your friends may be turning into enemies; do not be scared. God protects you. Finally, Jesus is telling us today, do not be afraid. We should not be afraid because, our heavenly Father have details account about us, and we are precious before Him. It is an invitation to trust God and collaborate with him, no matter the situation. Be not afraid points to the reality of his divine presence and salvation. We may not be called to die as martyrs, but we are called to live as Christ witnesses in our daily routines of life. And, when we adhere to this invitation, he will declare himself for us in the presence of His Father in heaven.