Homily, June 25, 2023
From The Pastor
The readings this Sunday speak about the fear and challenges one may face in the course of the Christian life. History has proven that those who live the life of Christ in full and authentic ways may face rejection, persecution, and personal threat. A person of lively faith may also encounter the fear of feeling overwhelmed or doubtful of facing the task of fulfilling the call of the gospel.
The prophet Jeremiah is something of a tragic figure. Not choosing to be a prophet of God, Jeremiah feels duped and dragged into this Divine call of doing God’s work. Yet, for all his trials and troubles he persists with unwavering faith and obedience. In the threat of rejection and in the risk of personal violence, Jeremiah hears the whisperings of many, “Terror on every side! Denounce, let us denounce him!” Jeremiah owns his fear and presents it to God with every confidence of his saving help. Like most of us, Jeremiah can wallow in his struggles, yet also surrenders his fear and conflict to the providence of God.
In the gospel, Jesus instructs the disciples as he sends them out on mission to not be afraid. Against the tension of personal fear and inevitable rejection, Jesus secures them in the truth of his authority. He assures them that all lies, secrets, and untruths will be revealed and will come to nothing. Be bold, speak light into darkness, Jesus instructs. Do not fear those who can harm the body, be vigilant of those who can cause you to lose your soul. Jesus then reminds them of God’s unfailing care. God knows and protects the value of two sparrows. Would God not protect his beloved ones who serve with faith and obedience in his name? Yes! God is fully and intimately aware of each one of us. God is involved in every moment of our lives. Should we acknowledge and proclaim the name of Jesus to others, Jesus will acknowledge our names before our heavenly Father. God is so particular as to know the number of hairs on our head.
If we are doing it right, with boldness and sincerity as persons of lively faith, we will have trouble in the world. What do you do in times of fear? When you feel overwhelmed and unable to perceive the presence of God, what do you do? When you are threatened by personal fear, or with worry or anxiety, what do you do as a person of faith?
When I feel overwhelmed or in the fear of a certain circumstance, the first thing I do is pray. I do so to remind myself that the Lord is always near, and that I am never alone. I remind myself of who God is and who I am in God. I remind myself of all the times I have been in a similar circumstance and how God has always heard my prayer and sent some form of consoling help.
I will often go to a favorite reading or passage of scripture through which I have found consolation, courage, or a restoration of peace. For instance, I often go to Psalm 139 to remind myself the God knows me through and through. God knows where I am, what I am doing, and whatever distress I may be feeling. I am always consoled by the middle verses of this Psalm that reminds me that God knit me in my mother’s womb, God knows my deepest self and nothing in me is hidden from God. I share the words of the Psalmist who prays, ‘I give you thanks (Oh, God) that I am so reverently, wonderfully made. Wonderful are all your works.’
I regularly use Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling. I will often go back to certain pages and just sit in the consolation and peace of the message. Like on the date of May 19th she writes of the Lord, “I want you to know how safe and secure you are in My Presence.” How would you like to hear Jesus say that to you? I find it very consoling. On May 21st, she writes of the Lord, “I, the Creator of the Universe, am with you and for you. What more could you need…” June 1st, “I am involved in every moment of your life. I have mapped out every inch of your journey…” June 2nd, “Relax in My Healing, Holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind.”
Sitting with these kinds of words from the Lord restores my spirit as any fear or concern are put in the perspective of God’s provident care and personal promise of peace. They remind me in an active way that I am not alone and there is nothing going on with me that God cannot handle, if I let him and allow his Presence to override my fear and limited resources. When I was forty years old and on a forty-day retreat, I was directed to the Book of Deuteronomy. In chapter 2:7 it reads, ‘For forty years now I have been with you and you have never been in want.’ Thirty years later I not only remember the prayer of that day, but I can confirm the same today at seventy. God is with me and I have never been in want. Stressed, weary, or tired at times, but never in the fear of God’s absence or lack of provident care.
In this kind of prayer, especially in times of fear or concern, I am reminded that I am loved, forgiven, redeemed, and acceptable to the Lord. This kind of awareness shrinks fear, increases faith, and inspires courage and creativity. Life is difficult at times, but God is faithful and ever-present. What do you do when you are afraid?
Father John Esper
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