Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33
Theme: ‘Fear not’ (Mt 10:28)
Fr Michael McCabe SMA
 In March 2018, Fr Tony Coote, a 53 year old Dublin priest,  was diagnosed with the dreaded Motor Neuron Disease, and died 18 months later. Before his death he wrote an inspiring memoir about his life entitled Live While you Can. It became an instant best-seller. The final words of Tony’s memoir were: ‘When the train stops, I will step onto that platform with hope and no fear.’  The words ‘Fear not’ are the most frequent words spoken by Jesus to his disciples. In today’s gospel they occur three times. But what is Jesus really saying when he tells them not to be afraid? Certainly, he is not giving them, or us, the false assurance that we have nothing to fear.
In last Sunday’s gospel, we heard how Jesus selected twelve of his disciples to collaborate with him in his mission. He told them that he was sending them out ‘as sheep in the midst of wolves’ (Mt 10:16). He warns them that they must be prepared to meet with opposition and persecution: ‘You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake… and you will be hated by all because of my name’ (Mt 10: 18,22). So, the disciples of Jesus had genuine reasons to be fearful. Indeed, it would be superhuman of them not to be afraid. What Jesus is saying to them – and to us – is they must not be overcome or paralysed by fear, but continue to carry out the mission he has entrusted to them, trusting in the power of the Spirit to sustain them.
Our first reading sets before us the example of the prophet Jeremiah. A timid and sensitive youth, afraid to speak, Jeremiah was, nevertheless, chosen by the Lord to be ‘a prophet to the nations’ (Jer 1:5) – a mission he accepted with great reluctance. Fidelity to his prophetic vocation cost him dearly. It pitted him against the whole nation of Judah from the king, princes and priests down to the people in the streets of Jerusalem. He was derided, opposed and physically threatened, as the first words of our reading make clear. There were times when he was sorely afraid and tempted to give up being a prophet. However, he not succumb to his fears. He remained faithful to his difficult calling to the end of his life. And the foundation for this fidelity was his trust in the Lord’s promise to be with him always: ‘The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph’ (Jer 20: 10). Â
Like Jeremiah, those called to continue the mission of Jesus must be prepared to meet with opposition and persecution. They cannot expect to be treated differently from their master (cf. Mt 10:24). Indeed, the absence of persecution may be a sign that the Church has diluted the gospel to suit the spirit of the times. The message and mission of Jesus were radical, indeed revolutionary. His words and actions represented a complete reversal of the value system that marked the society of his time. Hence, he was perceived as a threat to the powerful political and religious elites of his day. No wonder he was opposed, tortured and crucified!
Down through the centuries, all true disciples of Jesus have met with opposition from those who benefit from the unjust status quo. In recent decades, violent persecution of Christians has been on rise. Speaking to diplomats on the 9th January this year, Pope Leo stated that ‘the persecution of Christians remains one of the most widespread human rights’ crises today, affecting over 380 million believers worldwide. They suffer high or extreme levels of discrimination, violence or oppression because of their faith’. According to the 2026 World Watch List (WWL) report, the number of Christians suffering persecution rose by 8 million over the past year.
Thankfully, in most countries of the world, Christians are not in danger of being killed or driven from their homes. However, they often are subjected to subtle forms of opposition and persecution. Many so-called democratic countries may allow their citizens to believe what they want, but impose laws which render ineffective their capacity to influence public life, morals, or policy. In some countries, the name of Christ cannot be mentioned in public prayer, and the crucifix cannot be placed on the walls of public institutions. Such regulations constitute a form of discrimination and harassment that relegates Christianity to the private sphere, and keeps Christian influence from the public forum – perhaps in hope that it will eventually fade away.
In face of such opposition and persecution, Jesus urges his disciples not to allow their genuine fears to cripple them, but to continue to proclaim the truth of the gospel and to witness to him publicly. He assures them that the truth that the powerful elites try to cover up will eventually be revealed: ‘Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known’ (Mt 10:26). He reassures them of the Father’s love and care for them: ‘Even the hairs of your head are all counted’ (Mt 10:30). And he ends by making them this awesome promise: ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven’ (Mt 10:32).
So we pray: Lord, grant us the courage to stake our lives on the truth of your awesome word. Amen.
Listen to an alternative audio Homily by Tom Casey, SMA: