Gospel Meditations

Be not Afraid

Do not be afraid!” These words from Jesus in today’s Gospel should be a source of reassurance for all of His stewards. These same words were echoed by St. John Paul II at his inaugural homily as Pope. He said, “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Help the Pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and with Christ’s power to serve the human person and the whole of mankind. Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”

As stewards of Christ, it is easy to succumb to various fears. The fear of financial burdens, family crises, health complications as well as the spiritual fear of not being a “good” enough disciple. It is to these fears and more that Jesus, and St. John Paul II, says to be not afraid.

But how do we fight these temptations of fear? We fight them through prayer and trust in God. Whenever fears or worries take hold of our lives, whenever we doubt the fruits or importance of our stewardship, let us run to prayer. It is in those quiet moments before the Lord that He will slowly reveal His love for us which “casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Let us take a moment today to intentionally pray to God, asking Him to fill us with greater trust in His goodness.

Summary

Jesus in today’s Gospel, as well as St. John Paul II throughout his pontificate, encourages us to “be not afraid!” In our lives as followers of Christ and stewards many fears and worries may begin to take hold of us. Let us strive to fight these fears through the power of prayer and daily grow in greater trust in God.

https://www.archtoronto.org/stewardship