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Ordinary Time · Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year A

Jeremiah 20:10-13

Jeremiah's Complaint; A Burning Fire

June 21, 2026

Prophet Jeremiah, Michelangelo
Prophet Jeremiah, Michelangelo, c. 1511Sistine Chapel ceiling, Vatican
Perhaps the most inward figure on the ceiling: Jeremiah slumped with a hand over his mouth and his eyes down, saying nothing at all.I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around!” … But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior … Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord!MichelangeloSculptor first and painter under protest, who spent four years on his back on the Sistine ceiling and produced the most consequential painting in Europe.Sistine Chapel ceiling, VaticanThe pope's chapel, where conclaves are held, decorated by Perugino, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio before Michelangelo was ever asked.Sistine Chapel ceiling, Vatican
Roman Lectionary
GospelMatt. 10:26-33Mt 10:26-33
Second ReadingRom. 5:12-15Rom 5:12-15
First ReadingJer. 20:10-13Jer 20:10-13
Responsorial PsalmPs. 69:8-10, 14+17, 33-35 (14c)Ps 69:8-10, 14+17, 33-35 (14c)

Overview & Insights

"If I say, 'I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,' then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot." (Jeremiah 20:9)

Jeremiah laments the mockery and persecution his prophetic calling brings, feeling deceived and overpowered by God. Yet God's word burns within him so that he cannot keep silent, and he trusts that the Lord will deliver him from his persecutors.

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Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 20:7-13Commentary on Jer 20:7-13 Working Preacher

Lectionary commentary on the prophet's confession and trust amid persecution.

Jeremiah 20 CommentaryJer 20 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on Jeremiah's complaint and renewed confidence.

Jeremiah 20:10 CommentariesJer 20:10 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentaries gathered for terror on every side and the Lord as warrior.

Jeremiah 20 CommentaryJer 20 Commentary Precept Austin

Collected commentary and study resources on Jeremiah 20.

The Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Brant Pitre's video treatment of the First Reading and its link to the Gospel.

Background & Word Study

Jeremiah 20:10 InterlinearJer 20:10 Interlinear BibleHub

Hebrew text and word study for whispering, stumbling, and the dread warrior.

Jeremiah 20 in HebrewJer 20 in Hebrew Sefaria

Hebrew and English with Jewish commentary for this confession of Jeremiah.

The Prophets BibleProject

Background on the prophetic vocation and the suffering it brought Jeremiah.

The Church Fathers

Catena: Jeremiah 20Catena: Jer 20 Catena

Patristic comment on the prophet compelled to speak and trusting God for rescue.

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