Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sister Maura McMenamin, SNDdeN

June 25, 2023

Matthew 10: 26-33

“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name, you are mine” These words from a well- known hymn encapsulates, perhaps, the messages from today’s Gospel.

There would seem to be two main teachings by Jesus during his “training “of his disciples. Firstly He encourages his disciples in one of his instructions for mission, by reminding them of his great love for them. In doing so, He reminds them of this great love for each of them. He then encourages them to give witness to this love in all that they are doing in his name.

On the other hand, there is also a word of warning – to be on their guard – “Beware!” They must always be on their guard against the evil one, remembering that, Jesus will always be with them to guide and encourage them. If, however they disown Jesus in the presence of others, Jesus will disown them before the Father.

In today’s world, many temptations surround us, whether it be the must-have cell phone or higher status. In all of this do we seek the Lord?

Matthew 10: 26-33

Jesus said to the Twelve:

“Fear no one.
Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;
what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy
both soul and body in Gehenna.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?
Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.
Even all the hairs of your head are counted.
So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Everyone who acknowledges me before others
I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.
But whoever denies me before others,
I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

— The Gospel of the Lord

Meet Sister Maura McMenamin, SNDdeN

Sister Maura, who was born in Scotland, spent most of her religious life in the south of England. For many years she was a primary school head. Before taking up the role of an adviser on Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Southwark, she spent a short time in the Shetland Isles (the most northerly part of the British Isles) setting up catechetical opportunities for children and parents. Later she took up the dual role of adviser and inspector for the Diocese of Plymouth where she also tutored for the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies for teachers and catechists. She then spent a short time as acting director in Plymouth before taking up the post of Director of the RE Office in Argyll and the Isles. This afforded her the opportunity of travelling to fascinating faraway places such as Barra, Skye and Lewis. Ill health caused her to retire at the age of 70. Then she worked for a while as a part-time on-line tutor for St Bede’s College, Ushaw, tutoring students working towards the CCRS certificate. Sister Maura is now fully retired from active, full-time ministry and has returned to England.