The 12 Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 21, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

Jean Améry, a Holocaust survivor tortured by the Nazis, later wrote about the abyss of human evil. He described his reaction as an “indignant despair.” Haven’t we all, to some degree, felt that abyss opened beneath us? A sudden loss, a violent headline, a moment of loneliness or panic, when the world feels fragile and meaning seems to collapse?

It is to this fear that Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel: “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body.” (Matthew 10:28) He does not deny evil or pretend we will never suffer. Instead, He reframes the abyss: do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Your life is seen, known, and counted by the Father. Even the hairs of your head, even the sparrow’s fall.

This is no superficial comfort. Jesus himself has entered the abyss: suffering, death, even our sense of forsakenness, and he has come through it. That is why his words, “Do not be afraid,” hold such weight. They do not erase the abyss but build a bridge across it.

Faith is not pretending everything is fine. It is staring into the abyss and still choosing trust. And in that trust, we discover we are never alone. Christ stands with us, and the Father’s care surrounds us. That is the only comfort deep enough for our (often fearful) hearts.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

If you believe fathers should be more involved in decisions affecting the child they helped create, you’re right. This Father’s Day, pray for all fathers that they will be protective of their children, pre-born and born. May God bless all fathers this day.
- Lila Rose

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

Today’s readings call us to tackle the challenging issues of fear and trust – two concepts on opposite sides of the same coin. They must be confronted and dealt with by all of us who wish to live the stewardship way of life.

In our first reading, from Jeremiah, the prophet expresses sentiments we have all felt at some point in our lives, when he says, “I hear the whispering of many: ‘Terror on every side!’” Perhaps this ‘whispering’ comes from the culture that insists we must think of ourselves, our own interests, our financial comfort first – only when we are certain that our own needs are met can we think of serving God and sharing with others. Perhaps when we consider stepping out of our comfort zones, the fear-inducing whispers come from within us – “you’re too weak, too selfish, too broken to really live as Christ’s disciple.” Yet, just when Jeremiah is nearly overcome with fear, he remembers the truth, and it is just as true for us today. “The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.” Of course!

Let’s stop wasting any more time with fear. Instead, let’s put all our energy, all our time, our talents and our treasure into trusting this great God, and using all that we are and all that He has given us to bring Him glory.

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

Jesus tells us in the gospel: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me!” The point is: God is in each one of us, in our relationships and in our homes. The vocation of the Christian family is to live the divine gift which is already in and around us.
- Bud Ozar

TO SCHEDULE A MASS INTENTION

Please contact the parish office. The suggested donation for a Mass intention is $10. We will Schedule on or as close as possible to the date(s) you request.

MASS INTENTIONS

If we are unable to offer a Mass Intention on a date you are hoping for, Father Bonaventure is available to celebrate Mass at the abbey in Latrobe. He would welcome any Mass intentions you would like to send him. At: Fr. Bonaventure OSB, St. Vincent Archabbey 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650

Prayer Requests

Kathy Ansman, Mark Blackie, Rod Baronner, Dan Bauer, Dave Bauer, Jack Chilcote, Harry Chirdon, Karen Claar, Brandon Conaway, Shirley Conlon, Denise Conrad, James Conrad, Kathy Corl, William Costlow, Joe DeGennaro Jr., Colette DiMemmo, Tim Dodson, Joan Donnelly, Matthew Dorman, Nate Dorman, Amelia Doughurty, Lois Duncan, Thomas Duncan, Ashley Eagen, Corinda Ermin, Roberta Farabaugh, Herman Frederick, Pat Harpster, Leighton Hess, Lucy Horton, Raymond Kargo, Russell Keith, John Kleine, Ruth Lamca, Cyndi Lansberry, Mary Ann Larson, Donna Laughlin, Beth Lloyd, Joel McElhinney, Charles McGrain, Shirley McIntyre, Mason Wayne McManus, Paul Angelo Morelli, Bev Mueller, Bonnie Neal, Jessica Neff, Lee Neff, Sarah Rihnovich, Nancy Servello, Elizabeth Siglow, Laura Snyder, Alex Walter, Margo Wascherl, Scotty Wavrek, Joan Weston, Renee Williams, Pat Zeak.

If you would like to add a sick or hospitalized person to our prayer list or readd a person, please call the rectory office, at 943-8553. Parishioners of Saint Mary are encouraged and welcome to participate. Remember, you must have the permission of the ill person/family to publish their name.

Sacred Heart Church