Do not be afraid! Homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.

Matthew’s gospel arranges the teaching of Jesus into five major discourses. Today we continue reading from the second of these five discourses, which is directed more specifically to the twelve disciples, empowering and instructing them for mission. Although these missionary instructions are directed to the disciples during the lifetime of Jesus, Matthew the evangelist is also mindful of later generations of Christians who will experience persecutions and trials. This homily looks briefly at the courageous witness of St Thomas More, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Martin Luther King.