“Do not fear men,” Jesus says. He is talking about fearing those who persecute you for your faith. In the verses preceding this Gospel passage, he tries to prepare us for persecution and says that just as people did to him (Jesus), they would do to his followers.
But what happened to Jesus? He was crucified, but he rose from the dead. He triumphed over his persecutors. They couldn’t stop him. And that’s what he promises us too. We may suffer any persecution, ridicule, or discrimination for our faith, but we cannot be destroyed as long as we hold to that faith.
The best way to keep the faith alive is to give it to others. It sounds like a contradiction, but it means that when we spread the faith, our faith grows too. Sure, it takes courage to tell someone else about our faith, but when we share our stories about what God means to us, we relive those experiences and remember what God has done for us. And when we allow others to share their faith with us, we feel encouraged and supported. That’s why Jesus says there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed: True faith is never hidden; it must be shared.
Sometimes we may hesitate when speaking about faith. If we are tempted to remain silent, we are allowing the devil to have his way. The only thing we should fear is our weakness, not Satan’s power. That’s why Jesus said that whoever denies him before men, he will also deny him. However, Jesus died for our sins, so not even they can destroy us if we turn to the Lord. Just as God knows every sparrow that falls, He also knows us when we fall, and He values ​​us far more than sparrows.
So, thank Him for His forgiveness, but don’t forget to spread the word that you’ve been forgiven. You might encourage someone else to have the courage to return to the Lord and thus achieve another victory of faith that overcomes fear. -By Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications

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Saint John Fisher (1469-1535) and Saint Thomas More (1477-1535) – June 22

From Robert Bolt’s classic A Man For All Seasons to Showtime’s edgy The Tudors, Thomas More endears himself still: lawyer-statesman of impeccable integrity, remarried widower and affectionate father delighting in a lively household—four children, a pet monkey, even a paid jester! And challenges still: humanist-reformer, yet champion of Catholic faith and papal primacy. John Paul II named him “Patron of Statesmen and Politicians,” citing More’s generous work, both as a lawyer and in government service, on behalf of the poorest and most marginalized people of his time, as well as his promotion of education for all sectors of society. More’s decision for principle over politics, conscience over convenience prompted his final words: “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.”
Alone among England’s bishops, John Fisher dared challenge Henry VIII’s divorce and repudiation of the papacy. When the Pope named the imprisoned Fisher a cardinal, Henry thundered: “Don’t bother sending Fisher’s red hat here; I’ll send Fisher’s head to Rome!” Whose “good servants” are we first? Isn’t a right conscience worth the pain of standing alone? -Peter Scagnelli, Diocesan Publications

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OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP – June 27

This famous icon depicts Jesus after a prophetic vision of His passion from archangels Michael and Gabriel, running into the arms of His mother–even losing a sandal in the process. As Mary comforted her Son then, she continues to help us now in our times of need.