In these unstable times, fear is an understandable reaction. This can be true in society in general— the economy, politics, climate change. It can also be true within the community of faith. As we go through a time of intense pressure and overt opposition, it would be easy to lose heart. The spirit of today’s society, the example of our contemporaries, and the irreligious mood of much of the media do not always foster God-fearing attitudes or encourage sound moral standards.
In most countries today, apart from some exceptions, Christians are not generally persecuted for showing faith in Christ and his Gospel. Nevertheless, when she or he lives according to his teaching they are swimming against the tide of a materialistic culture and will not find the going easy. Jesus warns that being a Christian will cost sacrifice and suffering. He urges each one to have courage in speaking his message and living his message, drawing strength from our trust in the Father whose care for us “delivers the souls of the needy from the hands of evil ones”.
Jesus doesn’t play a game with his disciples, pretending the reality of their world, (or ours) is different from how it actually turns out to be. Three times in today’s Gospel he urges us not to be afraid, “You are worth more than a hundred sparrows”. In spite of many dangers “The Lord is at my side, a mighty hero, whose love is kind and in his compassion he turns towards me in my need”. St. Paul gives voice to the same encouragement being offered to us: “It is even more certain that divine grace came as an abundant free gift through one man, Jesus Christ”.
The words Jesus speaks to his disciples are words of encouragement to each one of us. No matter how overwhelming or decimating our circumstances might be, the over-riding message of Jesus is “Do not be afraid”. Spoken by anyone else these words would be comforting. Spoken by God through Jesus they give us a continued courage for the present and certain a hope for the future, that the life we have been given is indeed wonderful.