Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis
with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk
12th Sunday of the Year –
June 21, 2020
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: Fear Not!
Sunday
Synopsis
In the first reading (Jer. 20:10-13), the Prophet Jeremiah decries the antics of the wicked against
the good man but expresses trust in God who is able to deal with evil men. In the second
reading, (Rom 5:12-15) St. Paul reveals how sin entered the world through one
man, Adam and redemption was equally won by one man, Jesus. The gospel (Matthew 10:26-33) tells how Jesus told the twelve not to be afraid as
everything hidden would be uncovered. Our liturgy urges us not to be afraid but
trust in God as he has the ability to do much more than we can ask or imagine.
Introduction
Friends in Christ, fear has been
adjudged as man’s greatest enemy. It makes you feel inferior and
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.” Aware of the devastating effects
of fear, Jesus charges us (Matthew 10:26-33) thus: “Do not be afraid...” In
this reflection titled “Fear Not,” we shall consider the types of fears there
are and suggest possible ways of combating them in the light of the gospel.
Background and Summary of the Readings
In the first reading (Jer. 20:10-13), the Prophet
Jeremiah decries the antics of the wicked against the good man but expresses
trust in God who is able to deal with evil men. He, however, maintains: “My
opponents will stumble, mastered, confounded by their failure; everlasting,
unforgettable disgrace will be theirs.” He adds that the Lord who is just and
scrutinizes the loins and the heart would indeed deliver the soul of the needy
from the hands of evil men.
In the second reading, (Rom
5:12-15) St. Paul reveals how sin entered the world through one man, Adam and
redemption was equally won by one man, Jesus. He further discloses how the new
Adam brought divine grace, an abundant free gift as ultimate remedy for sin and
fear.
The gospel (Matthew 10:26-33) tells how Jesus urged the twelve not to be afraid as
everything hidden would be uncovered. He adds: “What I say to you in the dark,
tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, tell in the daylight, proclaim
from the housetops.” He also encouraged them not to be afraid of those who kill
the body but cannot kill the soul adding that there is no need to fear. He
surmised that anyone who does not declare him before others, he would disown in
the presence of the father.
Types of Fear
1. Negative Fears: This consists of fear of the past, fear of the future, fear of the
unknown, fear of holiness, fear of being caught and the fear of men. Its
subtypes include:
a). Fear of the Past: Today, many people are caught up in web of past sins
or guilt of things they may have done in their lives a long time 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. Parents too are preoccupied
with what the future holds for their kids. Some end in the hands of fortune
tellers who dupe them of their hard earned money and valuables.
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, 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 embracing holiness.
e). Fear of being Caught: There is growing fear of not being caught which further
plunges some people into sin. Popularly called the 11th 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 warned “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: We shall consider the fear of sin, fear of hell and 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 would remain with us. As such, Jesus calls us to be
afraid of sin so as to please God.
