Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) – June 22, 2026
As we gather this weekend to celebrate the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are also blessed to recognize two significant occasions: Father’s Day and National Indigenous Peoples Day. Both invite us to reflect on the gifts of love, guidance, identity, and community that shape our lives.
Throughout the readings this past week, we have been reminded of the importance of kindness, mercy, humility, and gentleness. Again and again, Scripture calls us to treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated. We are encouraged to be mindful of our words and actions, to live with humility, and to be careful not to allow materialism and consumerism to distract us from what truly matters.
The world around us can greatly influence how we think and act. When we become consumed by possessions, status, or worldly concerns, we risk losing sight of what God places before us each day: opportunities to love, to forgive, to understand, and to serve. The Gospel continually calls us back to the heart of discipleship—to be people of compassion, mercy, and faith.
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” These words remind us that while our bodies may experience hardship, suffering, and even fear, our souls belong to God. Deep within each of us lies the sacred gift of God’s presence. It is our spirit, our character, and our relationship with God that ultimately define who we are.
As human beings, we are not perfect. We make mistakes and fall short. Yet God does not abandon us because of our weaknesses. Instead, He invites us to trust in His plan, to rise again when we stumble, and to continue striving to be faithful followers. We are called to be shepherds in our families, workplaces, and communities—people who lead with kindness, integrity, and love.
On Father’s Day, we give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, and father figures who have helped shape our lives. Fathers often guide, teach, protect, and encourage. They help instill values and provide direction. Yet many fathers also serve as nurturers, caregivers, and sources of comfort, especially in circumstances where mothers may be absent or unable to fulfill that role. Today we honour all those who embrace the sacred responsibility of caring for others with love and dedication.
As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, we also give thanks for the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and wisdom of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. For many Indigenous communities, the Seven Grandfather Teachings—Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth—provide guidance for living a good life and fostering healthy relationships.
These teachings beautifully complement the message of the Gospel. Jesus calls us to love one another, to walk humbly with God, to speak truthfully, to show respect, to act with courage in times of difficulty, and to seek wisdom in our daily decisions. The values handed down through Indigenous traditions and the values taught by Christ both invite us to become better people and stronger communities.
As we reflect on these celebrations and the Scriptures before us, may we ask ourselves: How are we living these teachings each day? How do our words and actions reflect the love of Christ? How can we strengthen our families, support one another, and build a community rooted in compassion and respect?
May we continue to walk together in faith, guided by God’s love and inspired by the wisdom of those who have gone before us. May we honour the fathers and father figures among us, celebrate the gifts of Indigenous Peoples, and strive to live as people of kindness, humility, courage, and hope.
Miigwetch
Dolores Peltier-Corkey