Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Readings: Jer. 20:10-13.; Responsorial Psalm Ps 68:8-10,14,17,33-35; Rom 5:12-15 & Gospel Matthew 10:26-33.

Theme: Do Not Be Afraid!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, fear has been adjudged as man’s number one enemy. It makes you feel inferior and also makes you lose out on many things in life. Fear has led many people to their early graves. This reminds us of a quote from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “A coward dies a hundred times before his death.” Knowing the devastating effects of fear, Jesus charges us in the gospel (Matthew 10:26-33) “Do not be afraid.” Our reflection today shall consider the types of fears there are and posit possible ways of combating them in the light of the gospel.

Types of Fear

1. Negative Fears: We shall consider the fear of the past, the fear of the future, the fear of the unknown, the fear of holiness, the fear of being caught and the fear of men as negative types of fear:

a). Fear of the Past: Many people today are caught up in web of past sins or guilt of things which may have happened in their lives many years ago. Because they are held down by guilt and self-pity, they are afraid that others might come to know their former ways and judge them.

b). Fear of the Future: Because most young are tossed about by the vicissitudes of life, they fear the future. Many young people are deceived into astrological horoscope or zodiac signs wanting to know their fate in life; the fear of what the future holds for them has landed many young people in the hands of crooks.

c). Fear of the Unknown: Fear of the unknown takes place when people become paranoid suspecting everything and anyone around them to the point that they are nihilistic – fear of the unknown makes them to doubt everything, sometimes including the existence of God. These people easily have premonitions that evil is lurking around the corner.

d). Fear of holiness: Most young people are afraid of holiness. There is a tendency that holiness is for the aged or those who have chopped life in Nigerian parlance. Perhaps this is why the Holy Father, Pope Francis has consistently called on young people not to be afraid of holiness. 

e). Fear of being Caught: There is growing fear of not being caught which makes some people to further plunge into sin. Popularly called the 11^th commandment, “thou shall not be caught,” the fear of being caught actually makes people to commit sin. 

f). Fear of Men: In the gospel, Jesus warns “Don not be afraid of those who cannot kill the soul.” This is indicative that our fear should be directed to God not human beings. More often than not, we fear our parents, spouses or superiors more than God. We are often prepared to displease God in order to please human beings. This is what constitutes fear of men.

2. Positive Fears: Brother and Sisters in Christ, we shall consider the fear of sin, the fear of hell and the fear of God as positive fears in the light of Jesus’ charge: “Do not be afraid.”

a)  Fear of Sin: As children of God, we are called to fear sin. This is positive fear because if we shun sin, God’s abiding presence remains with us. As such, Jesus calls us to be afraid of sin so as to please him.  

b)  Fear of Hell: Contrary to the opinion that doing good because one is afraid of hell is not good, it is noble to realize the danger of losing one’s soul which Jesus talks about in the gospel so as to amend one’s ways and make heaven. If the fear of hell would make us to make heaven, so be it.

c). Fear of God: This is holy or awesome fear which makes us keep the commandments of God. It is not fear in the negative sense but an awareness of God’s supremacy over us. This further entails reverence for God and for all that is holy. It is this kind of fear that prevents us from committing the sin against the Holy Spirit.

Ways of Combating Our Fears

1.      Confront It: Our liturgy calls us to combat fear by confronting it head-on. Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” As such, when we confront what we are afraid of in faith, victory is sure.

2.        Be Truthful: Since the word of God says, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free,” (John 8:32) we must be sincere and own up that this or that is making us anxious or afraid. Without knowing the cause of an illness, remedy would not be in sight. In first reading, the Prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 20:10-13) was truthful about his situation and so, he trusted God to come to his aid.

3.      Be Prayerful: Jeremiah’s prayer to God prevents us with some panacea to the needless fears and worries that confront us in daily life. As such, we ought to be prayerful. This entails being guided by biblical principles.

4.      Avoid Excuses and Complains: Excuses and complains are best strategies the devil uses to distract us on our earthly mission. These acts drain us physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Conclusion

In our second reading, (Rom 5:12-15) St. Paul reminds us about the ultimate remedy for fear namely, our redemption in Christ. As such, illness, hunger, recession, persecution and even death cannot threaten us because one Man, the Christ, paid the price for our redemption. We shall return home today with a handy weapon in our kitty, that is, Jesus words: “Do Not Be Afraid, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Have a blessed week ahead – Wishing our Muslim brothers and sisters happy Eid al-Fatir.