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Peace! "Do not be
afraid" spoken by a father to his son, or by a friend to another, is
meant to assure the listener of care and support in time of trial or
distress.
In today's Gospel (Mt. 10:26-33). Jesus was addressing His twelve apostles
as He gave theis His instructions before sending them out to proclaim the
Good News and thus to continue His missions on earth.
We may well imagine Jesus speaking to us personally and collectively as He
sends us to continue His missions and to act accordingly especially during
these times of trial and adversity in our midst.
Let us find strenth and confort in His words. "Do not be
afraid", as we reflect on their deeper imlications.
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Fear.
Fear paralyzes and results in inaction because of dread of retaliatory
action, e.g. from drug offenders. Because of fear, the public does not
cooperate in the eradication of this social evil, or worse, the weak
are even influenced to join what they cannot stop.
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Knowledge.
Fear overwhelms one because of lack of knowledge of the Lord, of who
He is to us, of His abiding love for us, "Even all the hairs of
your head are counted...you are worth more than many sparrows."
Let us develop a personal relationship with Him.
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Trust.
Knowledge impels trust. Have an immense trust in the Lord. He will not
abandon us. "I will not leave you", He said. "I will be
with you always", as in Emmanuel (god with us). Trust casts out
all fear.
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Courage.
"Take Courage", Jesus said, "It s I: do not be
afraid." So, when the need arises, we must fight even if our
efforts seem insignificant or even if our action poses great danger.
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the
soul; rather be afraid of one who can destroy both soul and
body..." With God behind us, we must believe that something will
come out of every action done in His name. Put your hand in His and He
will give you the courage you need to fight timidity and fear.
Lord, let Your love dispel fear and anxiety.
Rev.
Fr. Rufino P. Yabut
Parish
Priest
SHJ-MBS
Parish Church
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