In the Gospel reading for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, our Lord speaks about fear. He asks us to not be afraid of those who are only able to harm us physically. Instead, of this type of fear, we are to have a holy fear of our Lord. This type of fear recognizes and reacts in awe to God. He is constantly doing amazing and wonderful things which should inspire us to greater acts of love toward all those whom He has placed in our lives.

Readings:

Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
Romans 5:12-15
Matthew 10:26-33

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• Have Fear But Do Not Be Afraid - Pontifical Household preacher, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa


• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• Be Not Afraid (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology