The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 21, 2026
“Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge… So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
— Matthew 10:29, 31
Brothers and Sisters,
Do you ever question your own worth? We are all susceptible to questioning our own value, especially when we feel isolated or alone. Thoughts infiltrate our minds, sometimes giving too much weight to our weaknesses and failings. We think these low moments — when we have not remained faithful to God or loyal to family — erase the fruits of our cooperation with the Lord and the sacrifices we have made for loved ones.
Christ reminds his disciples, though, of their incalculable worth. Our Father in heaven knows all of creation, including the sparrow, and looks upon us, those created in his image and likeness, with great fondness. As we celebrate Fathers’ Day, let us give thanks to those who remind us of this immense dignity and worth. Our parents show incredible love and sacrifice for us, and many of us are blessed to be surrounded by loving family, friends, teachers, and mentors. May the Lord particularly bless all our dads, grandfathers, godfathers, uncles, and father figures on this day, who work hard for our sake and seek to keep us safe. They show love to us each day.
This week, we launch our VBS Fam Jam! Please pray for the fruits of this wonderful Bible study as we go deeper into the Exodus account. God called Moses to lead his people to freedom and to establish a right relationship between the people and God. We are called to be faithful, to listen to God’s commands, and to live in authentic love. Some of my earliest memories are of my mother teaching the faith. She was deeply involved in Sunday School, teaching Bible stories and vibrant songs. Later, she would serve as a catechist for 2nd grade and as a teacher’s aide in the parish school. For many years, she shaped the faith of young parishioners who celebrated their First Communion.
Every week, we proclaim the gift of the Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic! Next weekend, as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, let us give thanks for our parish, which bears so many wonderful fruits through your worship, ministry, and service. You are the light of the world to Ilchester and our surrounding communities. You provide a reason for hope to neighbors who are still seeking the freedom promised by the Lord and merited by the sacrifices of Christ. May Mary, under the title Our Lady of Perpetual Help, continue to intercede for us and strengthen us as a powerful witness to God’s abiding love!
In the Lord,
Rev. Michael S. Triplett
The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
-Matthew 9:
June 14, 2026
