Do Not Be Afraid

Reflection Date: June 21, 2026 | Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 
Daily Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33

Children of God:
In the early centuries of Christianity, believers lived under the threat of persecution from the Roman Empire. 

Christians could not openly gather because many were arrested, tortured, and killed for their faith. 

Because of this danger, they used secret symbols to recognize one another. 

One of the most famous symbols was the fish, called “Ichthys” in Greek. 

The word “Ichthys” stood for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” 

Sometimes a Christian quietly drew one curved line on the ground, and if the other person completed the fish shape, they knew they were both believers. 

The fish symbol appeared in catacombs, hidden meeting places, and even on tombs of martyrs. 

It became a silent sign of courage during fearful times. 

These Christians lived carefully, but they never abandoned Christ. 

Even in fear, they chose faith over safety.

In the gospel story of Matthew, Jesus spoke honestly to His disciples about fear and courage. 

He knew that following Him would not always be easy. 

He reminded them not to fear people who could only harm the body but to trust the God who cared even for the sparrows of the sky. 

Jesus encouraged His followers to acknowledge Him before others and to remain faithful despite opposition. 

The hidden fish symbol of the early Christians reflected this very message. 

Though they spoke quietly, their hearts remained fearless.

What can inspire us today?

First, courage in faith despite opposition.

Jesus told His disciples, “Fear no one.” (Matthew 10:26). 

Those words sounded difficult because the disciples faced rejection and danger. 

Yet Jesus did not ask them to become famous heroes overnight. 

He simply asked them to remain faithful. 

The early Christians showed this kind of courage through simple acts like gathering secretly for prayer and recognizing one another through the fish symbol.

Many people today also carry silent struggles because of their faith. 

Some are mocked for choosing honesty. 

Others are ridiculed for praying, forgiving, or living morally. 

There are students who are laughed at because they refuse cheating, workers who choose integrity over corruption, and families who continue to trust God despite hardships. 

Courage does not always appear dramatic. 

Sometimes courage means quietly remaining faithful every single day.

Remember: God sees those hidden sacrifices. 

Jesus reminded His disciples that even the hairs on their heads were counted by God. 

This means that God noticed every fear, every tear, and every silent act of faithfulness. 

Even when the world does not recognize our goodness, heaven does. 

Courage in faith despite opposition

Second, trusting God removes the fear that controls the heart.

Jesus said, “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 10:32). 

Those words gave hope to Christians who risked their lives for the faith. 

They understood that earthly suffering was temporary, but belonging to Christ was eternal. 

Their confidence came not from strength alone but from trust in God.

Fear becomes powerful when we think we are alone. 

That is why many people today live anxiously about the future, finances, failures, and opinions of others. 

Fear can silence kindness, truth, and faith. 

But Jesus reminded His followers that they were precious before God. 

If God cared for tiny sparrows, then surely He cared for His children even more. 

We are children of God, remember?

The early Christians still inspire us because they believed that Christ was worth everything. 

They did not know if they would survive persecution, but they trusted that God remained with them. 

We may not face Roman soldiers today, but we face doubts, pressures, temptations, and discouragements. 

The gospel invites us to stand firm and trust that God never abandons those who belong to Him.

Trusting God removes the fear that controls the heart.

As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: What fears prevent me from living my faith openly and sincerely? 

Do I trust that God truly cares for my life even during uncertainty? How can I become a quiet but courageous witness of Christ in my family, workplace, or community?

Children of God: 
Fear has always existed in every generation of believers. 

The early Christians carried fear in the catacombs, yet they continued praying. 

The apostles carried fear while preaching, yet they continued following Christ. 

Even today, many people carry fears about rejection, failure, suffering, and uncertainty. 

The world changes constantly, but we must remember that our courage in living up to the call is to be always rooted in God.