Thursday, 12 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 41:13-20, Ps. 145:1,9-13a, Matthew 11:11-15
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; I say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 41:13-14)
Somehow, every one of us is afraid of something. There are large-scale and small-scale fears, good and bad fears, fears that protect us from danger, and fears that destroy us from within, preventing us from speaking the truth or walking in the light.
- For example, you wouldn’t want to start dancing on top of a high mountain or the edge of a skyscraper. This is a good fear. Another example of a good fear is the fear of God. As the Bible says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10 and Sirach 1:12). This was not the kind of fear God was referring to in today’s first reading when He said: “Fear Not, I will help you.”
- It is normal to fear something you can see. However, it is a bad fear when you are afraid of something that only exists in your imagination. This is the fear of something that might happen but has not yet happened. Such fears indicate that we are not in charge of the universe. They remind us of our powerlessness and dependence on God.
- The best remedy for bad fear is prayer. Yesterday, we heard the prophet Isaiah say, “That those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary.” Today, God assures us: “Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge… I will open rivers on the bare heights and fountains amid valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water…”
In other words, God assures us that we need not fear anything because, for our sake, He is ready to do the impossible. Has there ever been a pool amid a wilderness? Yes, this is exactly what God did during Christmas. God made a virgin conceive so that He might take our human flesh.
By remembering the incarnation, we also remind ourselves that even now, God can still do the impossible for our sake. So, when your fears appear to be getting the better of you, sit down for a moment and imagine the best outcome. Tell yourself that God specialises in the impossible. Let your faith counter your fears.
- In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus praise John the Baptist as the greatest of all humans born of a woman. Jesus praises John for his courage in speaking the truth without compromise. Was John the Baptist afraid of Herod while preaching against his adultery? Yes. However, he continued preaching because he would not let his fears overcome his faith. He wouldn’t allow his fears to chain his spirit. Even in prison, he continues preaching the truth.
- Are you being threatened with death for doing the right thing? Reflect on God’s words in today’s First reading: “Fear not, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13). Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who said to the king: “Even if our God does not save us, we will not bow to your statue.” Yes, even if God decides not to prevent your death (as in the case of John the Baptist), be assured of a better life in heaven. Kick out your bad fears.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you fight our battles for us. Help us deepen our trust in you so that we can find peace despite our afflictions. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of the 2nd week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 41:13-20, Ps. 145:1,9-13a, Matthew 11:11-15).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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