“There is no need to be afraid … “
How many times do we hear in Scripture, “Do not be afraid”? And how many times do we hear the reason for confidence? “I, the Lord, am with you.” Yet fear runs away with us – the violence of the elements, the tumult of nations, the scourge of sickness and sin. It is all too easy to buckle to the belief that God has lost control of the world, of us. Surely one of the best reasons for clinging to church all our lives is to be brought back, time and again, to the peace that comes from renewed trust in God.
In the gospel today Jesus is giving a superboost of courage to the Twelve. He warns them that they will face opposition. In fact the world will be so hostile to their message that they will face even death. Nevertheless, they must proclaim it “ from the housetops”. There is no need for fear, Jesus tells them, because nothing escapes God's attention. Tiny sparrows and hairs on their head - what are they? Yet all are counted. Disciples may be vulnerable but God has them covered. He knows their “worth.”
What do we take for ourselves from these readings? Two things. First, we should not be ashamed of our fear. The first emotion of the first man after he ate from the tree of knowledge was fear. [Gen 3:10] Think, too, of great figures like Moses, Elijah, Mary, Peter – they all knew fear despite their greatness. Secondly, we have a Go-to who is greater than political or military force - or any human resource - because He is our Father in heaven and His “help never fails”. [Ps 68]
So, let the words of Jeremiah become a mantra for us in times of tribulation and fear: “Lord of Hosts, I have committed my cause to you. Lord of Hosts, I have committed my cause to you.”
— GM