12th Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 25, 2017

Brothers and Sisters,
Suffering is real, even for those who are called by God. The prophets, the disciples, Christians from the very beginning often paid a price for responding to the call. We may understand this more readily in times of persecution or political unrest or observe it in other faith traditions. 
When have we had to overcome fear because of our faith? Even choosing to live a Gospel life may sometimes overwhelm us. Fear is death-dealing, and all great spiritual teachers counsel against it. Jesus said it often: Be not afraid!