Fear is two-edged. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10, Ps 111:10). Here “Fear” involves deep reverence for God’s power and holiness. Such an attitude towards God generates wisdom, guidance, protection and intimacy. A God-fearing person, therefore, will be obedient, trustful and always humble. Hence, empirically fear can be considered to be a gift from God, providing a protective mechanism to preserve life. As children we have learned to cultivate fear towards life threatening situations and elements. Because of the fear of King Herod, the Holy Family fled to Egypt; and again Joseph “was afraid” to go to Judea, fearing Archelaus (Matt 2:22). Fear alerts us to be cautious on impending dangers.
Normally one is inclined to shun any frightful situation. If one is gripped by this type of fear, it can be even toxic. That is to say, that it debilitates, distorts one’s perception and damages relationships. The result of the feeling of powerlessness and helplessness faced with any invincible power would be anxiety, stress, physical and mental problems and spiritual stagnation too. While such toxic fear induces inaction, flight and withdrawal, uncontrolled, destructive and irrational actions can actually be the result.
It was of paramount importance for Jesus not to allow that type of fear to turn toxic and have dominion over him, whereby a new power surged. Even when it looked as if the external forces had subdued him, the victory of the cross added a new dimension to humanity’s struggle for freedom. The redeemer shattered the shackles of fear and overcame evil through his resurrection. That explains how the disciples shed their timidity and inaction along with all the paralyzing emotions. Thus they could hear Jesus say, “Peace be with you” (Jn 20: 19-21). Consequently, Peter and the apostles became firebrand martyrs to establish a new community of believers.
The good news is that we need not be under the clutches of toxic fear, produced by false self-talks. The Jubilee Year of Hope reiterates that. If no power on earth can withstand the divine power, we need only to listen to God attentively. His messengers, the angels often began their messages with “Do not be afraid”, calming the fears (Lk 1:13, Matt 28:5). God reassured his people again with the same words, “Do not be afraid.” St. Paul would say, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31). The answer for it is reflected in Ps 118:6: “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.” God has explained it further: “I will strengthen you and help you …” (Is 41:10).
In fact, the Apostles, frightened to the core, took refuge in the upper room. The redeeming factor is that along with Mother Mary they had recourse to prayer, reflecting over God’s unfailing promises and they were empowered to be freed from the bondage of fear forever. That is the legacy of the Christians. John the Baptist fearlessly proclaiming the coming of Jesus, boldly spoke the truth against the hypocrisy religious leaders and challenged the king, knowing well enough what was in store for him.
The question is, how best can we manage fear, which is intrinsic to human nature. It is epitomized in the life of Jesus. Challenging irrelevant and unjust social norms, confronting the hypocrisy of the authorities and standing for the oppressed and marginalized would have been normally a frightening situation. But Jesus did all that with remarkable boldness. He could chase away the money lenders from the temple, call the Pharisees and Sadducees “Hypocrites”, heal on the Sabbath, dine with sinners and outcasts and forgive sins. When Jesus was told to be careful because king Herod wanted to kill him, Jesus’ reaction, addressing Herod as “Fox”, was that, come what may, there was no question of being frightened and running away until the mission is accomplished (Lk 13:31-32).
The way Jesus overcame fear during his ministry, especially the passion and death, has become the inspiration for the whole human race to be cool and bold, when faced with hostile situations. “Knowing everything that was going to happen to him” (Jn 18:4), Jesus boldly revealed his identity to the crowd (“I AM.” – Jn 18:6) at Gethsemane, felling the captors! He, therefore, was in no way under the control of the fear of the impending torture and crucifixion to take the possible escape root indicated by Pilate, who had power to release him. Hence, we witness a very powerfully determined Jesus to be “the lamb of God to take away the sins of the world”.
The Risen Lord’s words are, “Why are you afraid?” (Mk 4:40). “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19,21). He empowers his followers to be free from the ensnaring fear. “Death, where is your sting?” (I Cor 15:55). “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?”…. (Rom 8:35).
It was of paramount importance for Jesus not to allow that type of fear to turn toxic and have dominion over him, whereby a new power surged. Even when it looked as if the external forces had subdued him, the victory of the cross added a new dimension to humanity’s struggle for freedom. The redeemer shattered the shackles of fear and overcame evil through his resurrection. That explains how the disciples shed their timidity and inaction along with all the paralyzing emotions. Thus they could hear Jesus say, “Peace be with you” (Jn 20: 19-21). Consequently, Peter and the apostles became firebrand martyrs to establish a new community of believers.
It happened about 45 years ago. When a group of criminals surrounding Fr. Mathew Mannaparampil S.J., (Patna) and pacing the revolver against his head, said, “We are your enemies”, his bold statement was, “I have no enemies.” They were his last words! When the assailant of Fr. Mathew Uzhuthal (Patna) in 2005, placing a pistol on the office table, asked Fr. Mathew to shoot him, if his demands could not be met, yet again the courageous words of Fr. Mathew were, “I have not come to take life, but to give life.” The assailant took the life of Fr. Mathew! The martyrs of Khandamal, Bl. Sr. Rani Maria (Indore) and Fr. Stan Swamy S.J. (Ranchi) are just some of the other models of the recent times for us to emulate.
The Risen Lord’s words are, “Why are you afraid?” (Mk 4:40). “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19,21). He empowers his followers to be free from the ensnaring fear. “Death, where is your sting?” (I Cor 15:55). “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” …. (Rom 8:35).
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