The Radical Catholic

Be not afraid.

Many say heightened anxiety is unique to our fast-paced, overstimulated, technological age. However, fear and worry are nothing new to the human race.

3400 years ago, when most biblical scholars believe the first oral stories were written in the Book of Genesis, fear was an issue. Genesis 15:1- “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”

“Fear not,” or some equivalent phrase, is often repeated in the Bible. Some estimates have it at 365 times, one for each day of the year. Roman Catholic priest Fr. Felix Just says it appears only slightly over 100 times in the Old Testament and about 44 times in the New Testament.

Whichever the case, fear has been a central issue throughout human history.

Fear is a human emotion that comes in all shapes and sizes, but loss is the common denominator that fuels it. Loss of life, health, loved ones, friendship, money, job, reputation, status and even the loss of an argument.

Jesus teaches me to overcome fear by accepting loss gracefully as he did. He wasn’t afraid of losing anything, including his life, because Jesus knew who he and God were. As such, he was privy to the wisdom that a more significant story was playing out than the story of one man’s life.

Since returning to the Catholic faith, I’m grateful to understand who I am spiritually and whose protection I am under. As I do, fear subsides and becomes more manageable.

When I’m worried about my children, grandchildren, husband, work, the state of the world or the church, Jesus’ message is, do not be afraid. As I reflect on this, I humbly accept I may not always get the outcome I want because it’s not in alignment with God’s purpose for my life – which is to have genuine peace.

It’s a choice between doing the best I can while trusting God 100% or not. I have to either believe God has it all under control and is working things out, especially when everything appears chaotic and messy. Or I don’t. Trusting God 99% doesn’t work. That 1% of doubt destroys everything.

I need to be all in or else I’m all out.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” -Jesus, John 14:1

I believe. I’m in.

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