Fear Is a Natural Emotion

Homily for Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Both of today’s readings speak of the human emotion of fear. We are told so many times in the Scriptures, “Do not be afraid.” However, if we are in the least little bit realistic, we know that fear has existed and does exist from time to time in our lives.

Think about the things in this world that cause your anxiety. Think about all the violence that is part of our world. Think about those people who live in abject poverty, who literally do not know where their next meal will come from. Think about the children who, during the summer months, do not have food provided for them by their schools. No one would deny that these people are anxious or fearful.

Joseph’s brothers display fear when their father dies, and they worry that Joseph will now retaliate for their misdeeds in the past. In the Gospel passage for today, Jesus uses the familiar “Do not be afraid” no fewer than three times as he sends his apostles on mission. They are not to fear those who may persecute them or who may kill them. Honestly, how does one get past such fears. No one wants to be persecuted; no one wants to be killed.

Joseph reminds his brothers that God used their betrayal of him for good. Jesus reminds his disciples that God will be with them as they are on mission. Should they experience negativity, God will use it for good.

This insight is a key to the entire Scriptures. The Hebrew Scriptures in particular speak of many fearful things, events that any person would find fearful. However, Joseph’s insight into his own plight, provides us a way to read the Scriptures. God uses events and difficulties to advance a plan of salvation. God is with us always just as God was with the Israelites as they made their way through the desert. A pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night were God’s way of assuring the people that God was in control.

As we receive the Eucharist today, let us embrace our human fears and place our trust in the presence of Jesus in our lives through this sacrament.