BE NOT AFRAID
This exhortation is written at least 103 times in the Old and New Testaments. Some claim more, but we think that even 103 is pretty clear evidence of the importance of this simple instruction. Jesus says to the apostles as he walks toward them on the water, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mt. 14:27) After Jesus’ resurrection, both the angel at the tomb and Jesus himself calmed Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” with the same words: “Be not afraid!” (Mt. 28:5-10)
In today’s culture so often hostile to Christianity and religion in general, we hear this phase more and more. We need encouragement in times of trial.
But what about when life does not seem to be testing us personally, or when Christianity rules the land? The Word of God is timeless, revealed to all at all times, not just when we think we have reason to fear.
In fact, Be Not Afraid applies just as much in the times when we think we have everything under control: we have a good job, the family is healthy, every day of marriage is like a honeymoon. At times like this, we think we can rely on ourselves, that we have the answers.
Maybe we feel we can focus less on our faith and more on the sweetness of God’s creation. We know in times like this that we are called to empty ourselves of pride and gluttony and lust, but perhaps we depend on them more. We are called to let go, to depend entirely on God, but we are afraid to let go of our desire for earthly fruits. After all, they all seem so real to us. They are familiar, tangible, reassuring. How difficult it is to cast aside these desires and to trust solely in Jesus. To put all our faith in Jesus is to let go of our “lifeline.” We think clothes, cars, and homes will keep us safe – at least they are familiar and bring pleasure.
But the lifeline is in fact an anchor chain, holding us back from having life and having it more abundantly (Jn 10:10) stifling the truest of joys, which come only from trust in God. To let go of the line takes courage. We must not be afraid. Perhaps this is the most profound meaning of Be Not Afraid in scripture: Do not be afraid to entrust everything to God. This is scary for us all, but we should be heartened by what happened to Peter when he began to sink while walking toward Jesus on the water. He cried out, “Lord, save me!”
“Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith,* why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:31)
