DO NOT FEAR - B: 23rd Sun in OrdTime

First Reading: Isa 35:4-7 (5 September 2021)

“Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God....‘” (Isa 35:4).

These words are very opportune in our context today within the heightened resurgence of the pandemic. As many either suffer or die because of the dreaded virus, “Be strong, do not fear!” truly consoles all of us who have been severely affected by this tragic turnout. Indeed, many felt helpless in our current situation when, despite the vaccination being widely conducted and the lockdown being strictly imposed on many communities, COVID-19 continues to linger even evolving into more potent variants. As nobody is really prepared in this battle against this common enemy, the dictum “Be strong, do not fear!” is the only thing we can hold on to for now as we try to encourage one another to be resilient in life.

However, several questions must have popped into our heads. Is this statement a mere pep talk, void of any form of truthfulness? Do we just say it so that we do not lose our minds? Do we embrace this battle cry only because we have no other choice but to believe in a better tomorrow, even if we deeply know that there is not? Do we honestly believe that God is with us, working on our behalf and in our favor during this almost two years of pandemic?

The answer to these questions can be found in the Scriptures. The Greek phrase “me phobēthēte” is usually translated “Do not fear” (NRSV), “Fear not” (KJV) or “Do not be afraid” (GNT). This construction occurred 93 times in the Septuagint, said in the contexts of Abraham’s call into an unknown land (Gen 15:1), Joseph’s deathbed at the point of leaving his family (Gen 50:19), Moses’s battle with his enemies (Num 21:4), Joshua’s predicament fighting with few men (Josh 8:1), Ruth’s anxiety of the future (Ruth 3:11), David’s fear of Saul’s manhunt of him (1 Sam 23:17), Elijah’s mission to confront the king (2 Kgs 1:15), and many more. In all these situations, better things followed.

In the Old Testament, God is someone who is true to his words and will not abandon those who believe and put their full trust in him.

In the New Testament, the phrase “me phobēthēte” is also used several times, 27 times to be exact. It was uttered amidst Joseph’s fear of taking Mary as his wife (Mt 1:20), Zechariah’s extraordinary experience in the sanctuary (Lk 1:13), Mary’s vision of an angel (Lk 1:30), the disciples’ fear of the storm in the sea (Mt 14:27), women’s shock after seeing an empty tomb (Mt 28:10), the crowd’s knowledge that Jairus’s daughter just died (Mk 5:36), the call of the first disciples (Lk 5:10), and many more. After all these incidents, a more pleasant ending always followed. Sustaining his prevalent image in the Old Testament as a steadfast provider, God continues to show that he will bring only good things to those who have confidence in him.

Troubles may be perennial in each one's life, but God’s grace always abounds.

Knowledgeable, hence, that “Be strong, do not fear!” are not empty words but filled with God’s assurance of his protection for all of us, let us continue uttering these beautiful words to one another.

Believing in God who is always there, may we not lose hope in these trying times.

- Rex Fortes, CM