Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": 12th Sun., Ordinary Time

Listen

For gospel
His eye is on the sparrow/ Martin: Blount, Ferrari, Houston, Holliday

For 2nd reading

For Psalm 69

Pope Francis

Read

Jer 20:10-13 "I hear whisperings: 'Denounce him!' Those who were my friends now watch for a misstep. 'Then we can prevail and take vengeance.' But the Lord is with me: my persecutors will fail and be put to shame. Lord, you who test the just, who probe the heart, to you I've entrusted my cause. Sing to the Lord, who rescued the poor from the power of the wicked!"

Ps 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35 "Lord, in your great love, answer me." For your sake I bear insult, because zeal for your house consumes me. Answer me in your kindness. "Revive, you who seek God! The Lord hears the poor. Let heaven, earth, the seas, and what moves in them all praise him!''

Rom 5:12-15 Through one man sin and death entered the world. Death reigned from Adam to Moses. But if by the sin of the one the many died, how much more did God's grace and the gift of Jesus Christ overflow for the many.

Mt 10:26-33 "Fear no one. Everything concealed will be revealed; all secrets will be known. What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Don't fear those who kill the body but can't kill the soul; fear the one who can destroy both soul and body. No sparrow falls without your Father's knowledge, and you're worth more than a flock of sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I'll acknowledge before my Father...."

Reflect

Creighton: God knows fear can paralyze us. Today’s gospel encourages us to move beyond our fears. It's easier to foster fear and hate than compassion and love. Our propensity for fear drives suspicion and fear of others. When I start to fear, it's time to remember how each person is a child of God worth more than a flock of sparrows.

One Bread, One Body: Will I let fear manipulate me into sinful compromises, or refuse to be controlled and push it out? "Don't let them intimidate you.” “Don't fear those who deprive the body of life but can't destroy the soul.” “Don't fear anything.” Let's respond to fear with faith: "Fear not; only believe.” “The Lord is with me, like a mighty Champion: my persecutors will stumble, not triumph.” We can say, ‘The Lord is my Helper, I will not fear;” “The Lord is my life’s Refuge; whom should I fear?”

DailyScripture.net: "Fear not; you're worth more than many sparrows": Fear is powerful; it can lead us to panic and flight or spur us to faith and action. Fear of God is the antidote to fear of losing your life. Fear of God is reverence for the One who made and sustains us in love and mercy. The greatest injury we can experience is loss of our soul; healthy fear of God leads to spiritual maturity, wisdom, and right judgment and frees us from pride, cowardice, and deception. Jesus met with opposition when proclaiming God's kingdom; he tells his disciples they must expect the same; it's both a warning and a privilege. Jesus' disciples must carry their cross like he himself did. The Spirit gives us power and grace to live as Jesus' disciples.

Sunday-trumped saint, from Universalis: Luan (Moluag, Lua, Murlach, or Lugaidh), bishop, founded 100 monastic settlements

Dress legend

Watch (not shown): Those who were my friends are on the 'watch' for a misstep of mine (1st reading)

'Heart' pin: Lord, you probe mind and heart (1st reading); you who seek God, may your hearts revive (psalm)

Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress"