In
our readings today, we hear quite a bit about fear. The prophet Jeremiah,
speaks about those around him who are plotting his downfall and looking for
ways to kill him. Not even his friends can be trusted any longer. Our psalm
speaks of bearing shame and insult for the sake of God. The suffering of the
psalmist is more than mere insults. As
a result of his witness to God, he has becoming an outcast from his own
family. But our Lord tells us
to fear no one, except the one who can destroy both body and soul in Gehenna.
So what are we supposed to think about
all of this talk about fear? Certainly, throughout human history, it is one thing that has never been
in short supply. I am sure that we have all experienced fear in our
lives. Perhaps when we were young, we
found ourselves afraid of the dark, afraid
of leaving our parents, or even frightened by clowns, chores, or
getting sick. As we grew older, our fears may have changed. As young people, we may be afraid of public speaking, standing out from the crowd, or making our friends
angry. Even as adults, we still struggle with fear. Perhaps your fear is
related to your job and the economy. Or a rocky marriage or an abusive
relationship. Many of us are frightened by health problems, struggles in our
society, difficulties in our
families, and our own personal shortcomings and insecurities. Even though our specific fears may change,
the notion of fear is a constant
presence in our life. We never quite grow out of it.
Fear,
however, is not always entirely bad. While it can make us helpless and
paralyzed; it can also move us to perform great acts of courage. Take Jeremiah
in our first reading. He was a man who had a lot to be afraid of. He was called
by God to be a prophet at a very young age. His countrymen and king turned
against him because his message was unpopular and challenging. He was put into
prison for proclaiming the message of God and his life was threatened. This
didn’t just happen once but a number of times.
The truth
is, Jeremiah was afraid. In chapter 1:6, when God asks him to proclaim
his word, Jeremiah says, “Ah, Lord, I know not how to speak; I am too young.”
And the Lord simply says, “to whomever I
send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear
before them, because I am with you to deliver you.” That is all the Lord
promised. He didn’t say it would be easy, glorious, or fun. But he did promise to be with Jeremiah as he
proclaimed the message of the Lord. And Jeremiah responded in faith and trust
in the power of God to protect him. He didn’t let his fear, as natural and understandable as it was, keep him from becoming an instrument of
God’s word to the people of Jerusalem. His fear of being inadequate,
persecuted, and too young, ended up deepening Jeremiah’s faith in God and
enabled him to do great things in the name of the Lord.
The
same is true for us. (I can tell you that the last few months have been full of
fears and apprehension as I get ready to say goodbye to all of you and wonder
what the next parish will think of me and my corny jokes!) Just as he did with
the apostles in the gospel, the Lord sends us out each and every day to
proclaim his saving truth to our friends, family, and those we encounter in our
daily business. And his advice to us is very,
very, simple. So simple in fact, that it is only three words: “fear
no one.” But it is often difficult to witness to the teachings of
Christ and his Church in our everyday lives. How often we fail because of our
fears!! Perhaps it is the fear of speaking up when someone says or does
something that is wrong. Maybe we are afraid offending someone with the gospel
or we fear what the repercussions might be in our friendships, our careers, or
our reputations. These fears are perfectly natural. But if we allow them to
keep us from witnessing to the Gospel of Christ, then we will fail to be
instruments of God. And we will not play a part in spreading his saving message
of joy and peace to a world profoundly affected by fear and suffering.
Our
Lord knew the power that fear can hold over us. He knew its ability to overtake
and paralyze his followers. He assures us, his disciples, not to be afraid. He
makes it clear that we are cared for and protected by our heavenly Father. Our God
is mindful of each and every one of his creatures; he even cares for the lives
of sparrows. He knows us inside and out; he has counted the hairs of our heads.
He is aware of the things that frighten us and he will protect us, but we must have faith.
As
we celebrate the Eucharist once again, let us present our fears to the Lord
honestly and openly, just as Jeremiah did. But once we have done this, let’s be
a people of faith, who take God at his word that he will protect and care for us
even when things are difficult, dangerous, or uncomfortable. May we resolve to
witness to Christ and his gospel with our lives; never allowing our fears to
keep us from becoming instruments of God’s saving message. Let us be a people of faith, a people of courage
who does not fail to proclaim the truth of Christ Jesus, even in those
circumstances when it is hard, frightening, or painful.
