Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Remarks -- Image: St. Teresa of Avila, a doctor of the Church, was known for speaking candidly to the Lord. On one occasion, while traveling, she was thrown from her horse into a river. Teresa remarked, “Dear Lord, if this is how you treat your friends, it is no wonder you have so few.” Summer officially begins today, and plans for outdoor activities are underway to lighten up, dress down, and have fun. Yet today's readings are heavy with Lenten themes and challenge us to keep our faith strong even in difficult times. Summary of Readings: In our first reading, Jeremiah recounts the difficulties he faced in delivering God՚s message, including being labeled a false prophet and having his every word scrutinized by “friends” who waited for a chance to condemn him. He also received threats on his life. The Psalmist laments that his zeal for the Lord makes him an outcast to his family. Today’s letter to the Romans opens on a gloomy note, “Sin entered the world, and through sin, death… since all have sinned.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus assures that He will acknowledge before the Father anyone who acknowledges Him before others. God Cares: So, where is the good news today? Along with the everyday trials life hands us: the death of a loved one, relationship breakups, health issues, financial stress, job pressures, family members rejecting the faith (add your own), serving the Lord can lead to persecution and being ostracized. Jesus told His disciples they would share in His sufferings. Yet in today's Gospel, Jesus assures us there is nothing to fear. Because the word of God is timeless good news that offers encouragement and guidance, we can relate to real-life situations presented in today’s readings. Despite the hardships, the readings ultimately have a positive, uplifting thread. In the end, things work out for the better because problems are handled with the Lord rather than apart from Him. God cares about our challenges and has the desire and the power to do something about them. Shout With Zeal: After a long lament, the Psalmist (Psalm 69) acknowledges that praising God with a contrite heart has great value. He closes with a new song of praise and thanksgiving, leading the assembly in a hymn of rejoicing. “Let the heavens and the earth praise Him.” Confidence in the Lord’s rescue and restoration when things get troublesome is essential to our faith growth. Our trust in the Lord is not only for our benefit but must be proclaimed with zeal to all within earshot. But: Paul’s teaching in today’s second reading reflects on Adam’s sin. Then he adds the magic word, “but.” “But” assures the reader that sin is not the final verdict -- there is more to the story. Some of us seem to enjoy focusing on the speck in the other՚s eye while ignoring the plank in our own eyes (Matthew 7:5). Paul takes the higher road, “But the gift (of God) is not like the transgression… through the grace of God in Jesus Christ, acquittal comes to all.” Therefore, our faith and hope are rooted in Jesus, who, through His Church, frees us from the bondage of sin. To experience what Paul is saying, do not delay celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There, the Lord welcomes us, forgives us, and gives us the grace to be conformed more fully to Christ. Proclaim: In today’s Gospel, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, ready to take up the cross with the glory, because we cannot have one without the other. The heading in the Bible for this Gospel passage reads, “Courage Under Persecution.” By telling His disciples to proclaim, Jesus answers the question raised in our first reading: Do I obey God or please people? (Matthew: 10:27). Proclaim without fear, ambiguity, or animosity. Proclaim with the word, with your deeds, and with love. Finally, Jesus reminds us that our public profession of boldness, faith, and truth, regardless of the consequences, is directly connected to our eternal salvation. Our Lord will welcome those of us who speak of all we have heard, learned, and lived. But (here is that word again) our denial of Him before others will result in Jesus’ denial of us at the time of judgment. That is Jesus’ way of describing God’s justice. Closing Comment and Question: The cross is our answer to the question of who we say Christ is. The vertical beam symbolizes our intimate personal relationship with the Lord, while the horizontal beam expresses our willingness to be Christ-like as we bring Christ to others. How can you continue using your gifts to make your faith in Christ contagious? Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his website: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13 Responsorial Psalm: 69:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 2nd Reading: Romans 5:12-15 Gospel: Matthew 10:26-33 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus is the answer Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate, to the consecrated and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi
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