06/17/2026
In this Sunday’s first reading from Jeremiah, one line immediately stood out to me: “All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.” Honestly, I think a lot of us can relate to that feeling.
Sometimes, it feels like people are waiting for us to fail. Maybe it is at work, within friendships or family relationships, or online, where criticism and negativity seem to come more naturally than encouragement. The more visible you are, the more it can feel like every mistake, weakness, or unpopular decision is put under a microscope.
I have experienced that feeling in my own life, especially in leadership and creative roles. Whether in music, design, communication, or when trying new ideas in parish life, I sometimes find myself holding back because I worry about how people will respond—and not because feedback is always bad. Constructive feedback can be healthy and important, but criticism, especially when it feels personal or insensitive, can slowly make us more guarded, more defensive, and less willing to put ourselves out there.
I don’t think this only applies to artists or leaders. Fear of what others might say can stop any of us from speaking up, trying something new, inviting someone to church, sharing our faith, standing up for what is right, or using the gifts God has given us.
That is why Jeremiah’s next line is so important: “But the ʟᴏʀᴅ is with me, like a mighty champion.” Jeremiah reminds us that our confidence should not come from others’ approval. It comes from knowing that God is with us.
Jesus echoes that same message in the Gospel: “Fear no one.” That does not mean criticism will disappear or that difficult people will suddenly become easy to deal with, but it does mean that we cannot allow fear of rejection, embarrassment, or negativity to control our lives.
If we are sincerely trying to do good, serve others, and follow Christ, we should not let others’ opinions keep us from moving forward. So, this week, ask yourself: When do I hold back because of what others might say? And then ask God for the courage to keep going anyway.
