Readings: Isaiah 41:13-20, Ps. 145:1,9-13a, Matthew 11:11-15
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; I say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 41:13-14)
Every one of us is somehow afraid of something. There are large and small fears, good and bad fears—some protect us from danger, while others destroy us from within, stopping us from speaking the truth or walking in the light.
For example, you wouldn’t want to start dancing on top of a high mountain or at the edge of a skyscraper. This is a healthy fear. Another example of a reasonable fear is the fear of God. As the Bible states: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10 and Sirach 1:12). This was not the kind of fear God was referring to in today’s first reading when He said: “Fear Not, I will help you.”
It is normal to fear something you can see. However, it is unwise to be afraid of something that only exists in your imagination. This kind of fear is of something that might happen but has not yet occurred. Such fears show that we are not in control of the universe. They remind us of our powerlessness and reliance on God.
The best remedy for fear is prayer. Yesterday, we heard the prophet Isaiah say, “That those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary.” Today, God assures us: “Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge… I will open rivers on the bare heights and fountains amid valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water…”
In other words, God assures us that we need not fear anything because, for our sake, He is willing to do the impossible. Has there ever been a pool in the wilderness before? Yes, this is precisely what God did during Christmas. God made a virgin conceive so that He might take on our human flesh.
By reflecting on the incarnation, we also recall that God can still achieve the impossible for us. So, when your fears seem to overpower you, pause for a moment and envision the best possible outcome. Remind yourself that God specialises in doing the impossible. Let your faith outweigh your fears.
In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus praise John the Baptist as the greatest of all humans born of a woman. Jesus commends John for his courage in speaking the truth without compromise. Was John the Baptist afraid of Herod while preaching against his adultery? Yes. However, he continued preaching because he would not let his fears overcome his faith. He wouldn’t allow his fears to enslave his spirit. Even in prison, John the Baptist did not stop preaching the truth to Herod and his household.
Are you being threatened with death for doing the right thing? Reflect on God’s words in today’s First reading: “Fear not, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13). Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who said to the king: “Even if our God does not save us, we will not bow to your statue.” Yes, even if God decides not to prevent your death (as in the case of John the Baptist), be assured of a better life in heaven. Cast away your fears.
Let us pray: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the paths of your Only Begotten Son, that through his coming, we may be found worthy to serve you with minds made pure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of the 2nd week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 41:13-20, Ps. 145:1,9-13a, Matthew 11:11-15)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu