12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

Our gospel reading opens with the ominous, “Therefore do not be afraid of them.” Of course that just raises the question about the identity of “them.” There are verses that are not included in the Sunday gospels, notably Matthew 10:9-25, contain the actions of “them.” A summary might include:

• those who do not receive the Twelve and their message of redemption (v.14)
• the ones who “hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues” (v.17)
• governors and kinds (v.18)
• family members who turn against you (v.21)

“Don’t be afraid” prepares for the sayings about whom the disciples should fear in vv. 28 and 31, a part of our Sunday gospel in which the admonition to not be afraid is repeated. Yet the Twelve are being sent into mission for which Jesus has already outlined what awaits them? Why should they not be afraid? There is a lot more to glean from this Sunday’s Gospel.

There is a lot more to glean from this Sunday’s Gospel

Full Text of the Sunday Readings

Detailed Commentary on the Gospel