12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A
HOW TO CONQUER FEAR
Matthew 10:26-33
MESSAGE
Lord Jesus, why do you tell us not to be afraid? Fear is the most accessible emotion we have today. There is war in Europe, another one in the Middle East. Prices of oil and other commodities keep rising. Our country’s politics is in shambles. There are threats to life and security looming in the future.
So many things are happening in our families, broken by strife, envy, and infidelity. Many of us are weak and sick and are unsure of when healing will come. People are lining up for work, waiting for legal papers, and dealing with interior and mental disturbances. Isn’t fear our destiny and refuge?
And yet, you tell us not to fear. How do we conquer this cold, crippling fear in our hearts? Jesus, I will listen only to you. I will fix my eyes on you, not because you were never afraid. I know you were afraid in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before you died. But rising from prayer, you confronted your fate with the inner strength of trust and hope in the Father.
You were unafraid to confront the Pharisees, the soldiers, Pilate and Herod; you were unafraid even on the cross. Instead of fear, you held on to love, to surrender, to hope in the Father’s great mercy and compassion. And this led you to the glory of the Resurrection!
So this is why you tell us not to fear. Destruction is not the final word. Death is not the victor. Misery is not our ultimate destiny. Because we are not alone. We are never abandoned. You do not give up on us nor do you give us up to helplessness and confusion. In faith, we discover a courage that replaces our anxiety with a “hope that does not disappoint” (Rom 5: 5). Yes, Jesus, when I am afraid I will listen only to you; I will gaze on you. You are my antidote to fear.
REFLECT
What are your fears? Are you willing to lay them down at the feet of the Lord? Are you willing to look only at him? Are you willing to listen only to him? Do not be afraid!
