Be Not Afraid
The readings have a theme focused on storms. We have all experienced storms in our lives. We have had large thunderstorms with lightning and tornadoes. They are frightening and require people to take immediate shelter. When we read in the gospel that Jesus and His disciples are in a boat with large waves, we can understand the fear of the disciples. The readings also have another theme focused on not being afraid. In the Bible, the phrase “Be not afraid.” can be found three hundred sixty-five times. Perhaps it is that many times to remind us of each day of the year to be not afraid. How can we be not afraid during a raging storm?
When Jesus’ disciples woke Him Jesus response was, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” Instead of saying be not afraid He questions their faith. Why would He do that? Let us remember that Jesus has been working great miracles and has cured many people. If you had witnessed the miracles, would you believe that Jesus was the Messiah, that He is God? The disciples have not grown in their faith. They see Jesus as a great prophet, maybe a great miracle worker, but not as God. If the disciples realized that Jesus is God, they would not have been afraid in the storm.
What makes us afraid? For everyone, I think we have a fear of dying. We are human so we know our lives will come to end someday. We can make our death a storm of fear or we can be at peace trusting that Jesus will take us to heaven. Jesus says be not afraid of death. Jesus died and was raised. He promises that we will die as He did but that we will also be raised with Him.
Another fear we have is will we have enough. Will we have enough food, enough money for the things we need, and some place to live. We spend so much time worrying about our needs we forget Jesus says be not afraid. God, the Father loves you so much He will provide for you if we trust and believe. That does not mean that we do nothing. No, we are to participate in God’s creation, but we are to also trust God will provide. For forty years the Hebrew people wondered the desert to learn that God will provide. We need to have the same trust in God.
A third type of fear we may experience is not believing God will forgive us. Often people say that God will not forgive me, I have too many sins or my sins are too bad. God is love. His mercy and forgiveness are limitless. Jesus says be not afraid. A sacrifice of a contrite and humble heart is worth more than all kinds of other offerings. We can always come to God for forgiveness.
What makes us afraid? I think it is just as Jesus said, it is a lack of faith. Faith is trusting in God. To be able to trust in God we must continue to learn more about Him. We must spend time in prayer, talking to Him. We must step out in confidence; we walk by faith, not by sight. In the storms of life, trust in Jesus. Be not afraid.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen