The WORD today reminds me that as a child of God, I should not be afraid of anything in this world.
There are a lot of things to be afraid of. There are a lot of documented “phobias” that people are afraid of – though varying in degrees. There are also fears not necessarily defined as phobias. People attached to their wealth are afraid of losing them. People in power and influence are afraid of losing those things. Some people are afraid of rejection, of losing friends, of failing. The more we enjoy our life on earth, the higher the tendency to be afraid of change, of losing something. Not only that, we have worries and concerns on health. On finances. We are afraid of having health problems not only for us, but for our loved ones as well. We are worried and afraid of not being able to provide for our families. However, we are reminded today that we should not be afraid.
They say that the phrase “Do not be afraid” is repeated more than 365 times in the bible, and it is God’s way of telling us, when we read his word, that we should not be afraid. It is a daily reminder for us not to be afraid and just trust in Him.
God is telling us not to be afraid. In the first reading and the psalm, we are reminded that we are his chosen people. We are his children! If you know your dad is looking out for you, no matter where you are or what you do, you will not be afraid… you should not be afraid. There will be trials, probably a lot, probably very difficult, but we should take comfort in the fact that God is watching us.
In the gospel, we are reminded again to not be afraid. God is all loving and all powerful. And he is watching over us. God has his eyes even on smaller animals. And we are more important. God has eyes on us. He keeps watch over us. We should not be afraid and just trust in him.
We should have faith in his wisdom and love. Does that mean he will not take away what we enjoy in life? Not necessarily, because he knows we are destined for eternity with him, and he will help us, however painful it may be, to reach that goal and strip us away of everything that will not be helpful in us reaching that. He continues to purify us, so no need to be afraid of challenges that come our way. He continues to watch over us, like what He did to Job, so there’s no need to be afraid of what is happening or what will happen to us. God will also continue to provide for us. He is loving and merciful. He is a healer. We should always remember this, especially when we are afraid of the situations in life.
Let us not be afraid and take comfort in God’s promise: “No trial has come to you but what is human. And God is faithful, He won’t let you be tried beyond your own strength, and with each trial he would provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it” (1 corinthians 10:13)
We are still in a pandemic. We may be frustrated. However, we are reminded today to not be afraid. No matter what is happening, no matter how other people are reacting, God is still in control. We just have to trust him.
What things in life am I afraid of? What things am I afraid losing? Why? Am I too attached to these things? Do I have complete faith and trust in God, that no matter how challenging my situation is, I need not be afraid?
May we learn to trust in God and not be afraid of worldly things, and just remain in Him.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for constantly reminding me that I should not be afraid. Lord, sorry for being afraid of a lot of things. Sorry for living in this world too much that I get attached to things and become afraid of losing them. Lord, there are a lot of things I am afraid of – failure, death, sickness, etc. But Lord, I know that you are more powerful than these things, and I surrender to you. I trust that you will continue to be with me, that you will continue to watch over me and protect me as I serve you. Strengthen my faith, Lord, that I may continue to serve, love and trust in you no matter what situation I am in. Amen.
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection:
Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 471
Brothers and sisters:
What can we say that Abraham found,
our ancestor according to the flesh?
Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works,
he has reason to boast;
but this was not so in the sight of God.
For what does the Scripture say?
Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due.
But when one does not work,
yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly,
his faith is credited as righteousness.
So also David declares the blessedness of the person
to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven
and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.
R. (see 7) I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
Blessed is he whose fault is taken away,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,
in whose spirit there is no guile.
R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
my guilt I covered not.
I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”
and you took away the guilt of my sin.
R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just;
exult, all you upright of heart.
R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us;
who have put our hope in you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
At that time:
So many people were crowding together
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends,
do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear.
Be afraid of the one who after killing
has the power to cast into Gehenna;
yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.”
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