12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
WHY ARE YOU AFRAID?
The
Gospel captures our fear of the unknown. The disciples were frightened by the
storm at the sea, thinking that it would cause their untimely death. Jesus, on the other hand, was
nonchalant to the tempest, sleeping like a baby while the storm was raging
around him.
What
is the cause of our fear? It is
insecurity. Will the flood wash
away our villages? Will the earthquake strike in our locality? Will I be safe
crossing the street? Will my husband dump me for a younger sexier woman? Will I
be able to make it on my own in the world?
If
we are secure, if we know our world is stable, our lives are safe, our future
is in the right direction, then we will be more confident and courageous. But
many times, we just don’t know what’s out there waiting for us.
Jesus
had his source of security in his Father. I believe it is not merely that he
trusted in the power of his Father to control the elements of nature. It was
not even the assurance that his Father would rescue him from every peril.
For
Jesus, it was a knowledge more personal, more conscious, more forceful. Jesus had no fear of anything because
he relied on the Father’s great love.
Other things – his provisions, his accomodations, his safety – became
secondary. What mattered most was
that he knew he was loved by God in a very intimate and caring way. All fears dissipate in the face of this
benevolent love.
This
week, take some time to confront your fears. Throw them at the foot of the
cross. Hurl them at the altar
while you attend mass. Lift them up to the Lord as you pray. Surrender them to the one who loves
you.
Believe
that his love is enough to destroy all your fears…
