"do not live in fear" (lk 12:32)
"A crowd of thousands had gathered, so dense that they were treading on one another." —Luke 12:1
In the midst of a mob, Jesus told His friends: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and can do no more" (Lk 12:4). Then He added: "Fear nothing" (Lk 12:7). In the Bible, the Lord commands us three-hundred and sixty-five times not to be afraid, but we feel afraid anyway. We can't just turn fear off as if we had control of it. Rather, fear turns us off. It seems bigger than we are. So how can we obey Jesus and never give in to fear?
As little children, we overcame some fears by simply holding our parents' hands. Even when our parents were not nearby, their assuring words often kept us from yielding to fear. We overcome all fears in a similar way, keeping our hands in the nail-scarred hand of Jesus. Although we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil, for He is with us (Ps 23:4). We fearlessly undertake the fearsome task of making disciples of all nations because He promised to be with us always, even "until the end of the world" (Mt 28:20).
"The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life's Refuge; of whom should I be afraid?" (Ps 27:1) "Fear nothing, then" (Lk 12:7).
Prayer: Father, because You have given me freedom from fear, may I do something I've never done before.
Promise: "When a man does nothing, yet believes in Him Who justifies the sinful, his faith is credited as justice." —Rm 4:5
Praise: St. Hedwig was fearless in accepting the abundant life Jesus offered by serving as wife, mother, duchess, widow, nun, and foundress.
Reference: (A Married Couples, a Mother-Daughter, and a Men's retreat will be held in Nov. and Dec. Come be equipped to imitate Christ. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 or see our website www.presentationministries.com for information.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 3, 2009
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