In today’s gospel, Jesus says to the apostles: “Fear no one. … And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul … This is a compelling, consoling statement. This is an encouraging message. And the question we ask ourselves is: What did Jesus mean? Why did Jesus say that to the apostles? Why did Jesus say to the apostles to fear no one? What can we learn from that? Fear is the enemy of generous service. Fear is one of the things that prevent us to speak, to act, to witness. We are afraid to tell the truth because we may lose friends. We are afraid to be rejected. We are afraid to make a mistake. We are afraid to be mocked or bullied. So, fear is something we experience every day. Fear keeps us from doing right things.
When I was in Mexico, each time we had Mass, I used to ask the first person who showed up to do the first reading. One day, I asked one young lady to do the first reading. She did not accept because she forgot her reading glasses. Ok, I said and I chose another person. Right after the Mass, the same lady who did not accept to read the first reading, approached and said to me: Father forgive me. In reply, I said for what? Forgive me for lying. The truth is I am afraid to read in public. It was an excuse to not read. I apologize. I don’t need glasses to read. Ok, that is fine, I said. Excuses. Like that young lady, we have the same excuses when we say for example , I cannot attend evening Mass because I don’t drive at night. I have to take care of me. It is far away. We have family gathering and I need to be there. I did not do my prayers because I was so tired. The weather does not look good. Rain is coming. My wife or husband is sick, I have to be with him. I have no time to help, to serve, to be involved in the community. You can complete the list of your own excuses. Fear keeps us from a deeper commitment to serve others and to follow Jesus. That is why it is wonderful that the first thing Jesus does, after calling his apostles to follow him, is to try to take away their fear.
Jesus knows that fear is the enemy of generous service. He knew that the apostles would be rejected, tortured, persecuted and murdered. He knew that the mission to proclaim the good news, to witness God, to serve God is not easy. There are many difficulties to face. That is why He tried to encourage and strengthen them. He gives the apostles courage to replace fear and to keep their focus on God. Jesus asked them to not be afraid of those who destroy the body but cannot destroy the souls. Also, He reassures them that God knows and cares about what happens to his children.
Today, we might not face persecution, but we do experience difficulties as Christians, believers. Jesus is addressing the same to us: Fear no one. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid because God is in control of everything. He cares for his children. Do not be concerned if people call you names because you have the courage to live your faith (to tell the truth). Do not be concerned if people make stories up or spread gossip about you because of your commitment to the poor. Our main concern is being witnesses for Jesus. And so, like Jeremiah we pray: I entrust the Lord who is in my side. Do not be afraid to keep doing the right things, to keep witnessing God, to keep serving, to keep preaching, to keep singing even nobody believes in you, even in the midst of rumor, controversy and conflicts. Because the most important is what God thinks about us.
Today’s message is a challenge to trust more in God than in ourselves. Do not be concerned with those who can destroy your body, your reputation, yourself, your life, but not your soul. Be concerned with losing your soul. My brothers and sisters, Jesus did not promise the apostles easy life. But He says to them something very important. I will be with you always until the end of the world. Do not be afraid.
