Readings: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25, Ps. 89:4-5,29-34, Matthew 6:24-34
“Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33)
Last Sunday, Jesus felt pity for the crowd because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus immediately commissioned the twelve apostles, giving them authority over unclean spirits and sending them to the lost sheep of Israel. While sending them, Jesus warned them about the challenges ahead, describing the apostles as sheep among wolves.
No matter how challenging life may be, the truth is that no one wants to die. This is why people are ready to do anything at the threat of death. What happens when our lives are threatened due to our Christian values and beliefs? Do we compromise to stay alive, or do we succumb to martyrdom? Let us find out how our readings answer this question.
1. How To Avoid Fear: Always Remember That You Are Sent
Like these apostles, all of us Christians have been called to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth (cf. Mark 16:15). In other words, never forget that you are only a messenger. You are not alone; the battle against those who resist your message is between them and God. We all have enemies; wolves are waiting to devour at the slightest opportunity. Nevertheless, we represent a kingdom greater than what meets the eye.
Standing before Pilate, Jesus said: “If my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.” (John 18:36). Let not the threat of death prevent you from telling the truth or doing what is right. Jesus would say: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:33).
2. How To Avoid Fear: Keep Your Gaze on God
Once upon a time, Jesus walked on water towards his disciples. This was during a storm, a moment the disciples feared for their lives. When they recognised Jesus approaching them, Peter asked to walk on the water. For a moment, Peter walked on water, but as soon as he turned his focus towards the waves beating about him, he started sinking. (Matthew 14:23-33). This is a perfect analogy for how fear cripples us when we are threatened by the wolves surrounding us as we carry out the task of evangelisation.
To overcome fear, we must constantly remind ourselves that God is never far from us. Keep your gaze on God. As Jesus teaches, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28). The only fear worth having is the fear of God. “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning (the crown, the root) of wisdom.” (Cf. Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, 15:33, Sirach 1:12,16,18,27, 19:20, 21:11).
If, due to our fear of what people can do to us, we disappoint God and commit sin, a greater danger awaits us. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, will the Son of man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels?” (Mark 8:36-38).
Once upon a time, a man named Alexandro tried to have carnal knowledge of a twelve-year-old girl named Maria Goretti, but the more he tried, the more she refused. When he threatened to kill her, she looked at him and asked, “Do you not fear God? If you commit this sin, you will go to hell. I would rather die than sin against my God.” St. Maria Goretti was afraid but feared God more than Alexandro. Even at that early age, she had acquired the wisdom of the ages; she continued preaching as she took several blows from Alexandro’s knife.
The problem many Christians have is that they assume it is okay to sin so long as it stays hidden. In today’s second reading, St. Paul explains the social character of sin. When we sin (even when no one is watching), many lives are destroyed. No wonder Jesus warns us, saying: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42). Let not your fear of people cause you to sin, compromising to evil will bring about the downfall of others looking up to you.
3. How To Avoid Fear: Know That You Are Important to God
The Psalmist says: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:4-5). Jesus re-echoed these words in today’s Gospel passage when He said: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31).
Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were thrown into the blazing furnace or like Daniel, who was thrown into the Lions’ Den, God, for whom nothing is impossible, knows how to defend you. They were not afraid of people, and God came to their rescue. Another example of a man who was not scared of people was Mordecai. He wouldn’t bow or worship Haman, a man who considered himself a god. Haman conspired to kill Mordecai and wipe out the whole nation of Israel. Ultimately, Haman was hanged on the gallows he had constructed for Mordecai. (Read Esther 1 to 9).
Jeremiah declares in today’s first reading: “The Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore, my persecutors will stumble, they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten.” (Jeremiah 20:11). Since you have chosen not to serve other gods, know that you are important to God and He surely knows how to protect and fight for his children. Do not succumb to threats. When the president of a country is visiting a small local town, there is heightened security. This is how God beefs up security around you: as you continue to let your light shine, you are important to Him.
4. How To Avoid Fear: Sing Praises and Pray, the Battle Belongs to God
When you are terrified, open your mouth and start singing praises. Be like Paul and Silas, who could sing from prison and the glory of God manifested mightily. The chains were broken, and all the prisoners were set free. Faced with threats on every side from many who wanted his downfall, Jeremiah prays: “O Lord of hosts, who triest the righteous, who seest the heart and the mind, let me see thy vengeance upon them, for to thee have I committed my cause.” Prayer is the master key. After calling on God, do not take the law into your hands; take a step back and allow God to fight the battle in His own way.
Jeremiah continues, “Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.” (Jeremiah 20:12-13). Singing is warfare. When we sincerely praise God amid our fears, we weaken the tempter’s voice within us, who tries to convince us that our prayers are not working. Singing must go hand in hand with prayer. The mountains and hills may not move immediately, but singing praises remains the straw that eventually breaks the camel’s back.
Let us pray: O God, strength of those who hope in you, graciously hear our pleas, and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing, grant us always the help of your grace, that in following your commands we may please you by our resolve and our deeds. 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. (Saturday of week 11 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25, Ps. 89:4-5,29-34, Matthew 6:24-34)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu