Fear Not
A story is told about the Bishop of Worcester, Hugh Latimer (1485 – 1555), who was feeling uneasy to preach in the presence of King Henry because the bishop was about to preach something which the king would not like. So the bishop spoke his mind aloud in soliloquy and said: “Latimer! Latimer! Be careful what you say. Henry the king is here”. Then again with a pause he said to himself, “Latimer! Latimer! Be careful what you say. The king of kings is here”.
The disciples of Christ are advised in today’s liturgy not to fear anyone and anything other than God himself. Fear can hinder a disciple from living a true Christian life. There will never be a “golden age” for a Christian to live his life without opposition or persecution. Therefore, three times in today’s gospel Jesus advises “not to fear” with three different reasons.
In the first admonition, Jesus attacks the fear in disciples about the failure in their missions. They are to remember that no human powers can prevail God’s plans.
The second reason for fear is the fear of being killed/death. Humans are much greater than any sparrow that God takes care of. Every faithful follower is much dearer to God.
Finally, persecution of one’s family and community can become a compelling reason for fear. If God cares for the sparrows surely, he will take care of His own people.
The lament of Jeremiah in the first reading renders us an example to put our trust in God: “The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.”
– Fr. Ranjan D’Sa OCD