Do not fear

We love to quote our Presidents, Popes, authors, or song writers. Among the most famous Presidential quotes was that spoken by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first inaugural speech in 1933: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” How often have we quoted this line to ourselves or perhaps to another? It is inspiring and leads one to feel confidence.

But, did you ever wonder what Roosevelt said afterwards in that same speech? He continued to explain what he meant by his use of the word fear: “. . . nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror, which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory . . .” Roosevelt faced daunting odds. The depression was well entrenched and people needed a word of hope and promise that things will, at some time, vastly improve. Roosevelt was asking the citizens of America to trust him and have faith in his leadership. It almost could have been taken from the Gospel today (John 14: 1-6).

Here Jesus speaks to his Apostles, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. . . I am going to prepare a place for you . . . I will come back again and take you to myself . . . I am the way and the truth and the life. . .” Words of comfort and hope to his dejected and fearful disciples. Jesus comes to bring peace and to rid us of “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror.” Now, I’m certainly not comparing Roosevelt to Jesus, other than to say both spoke to a fearful people; to a people who lost hope and wondered what the future would be like; both were looking for a savior of sorts but only one could truly fulfill his promise. Roosevelt changed the landscape of America but Jesus changed the hearts of all he encountered. Yet, both stared fear in the face and did not blink.

Fear is a very real emotion. Sometimes it can paralyze us into confusion and in severe cases, depression. I well remember an experience flying from southern California up to Oregon. We hit severe turbulence about half way through the trip. The crew sat down and strapped themselves in. It lasted for nearly 30 minutes and you can be sure, though conversation was silent on the plane, prayers were going up to heaven, mine included. When we feel our life is threatened such fear can cause panic and irrational choices. Thankfully no one on that plane panicked. People caught in a burning house might panic for fear of their lives. An overturned boat on a lake would cause one to panic and fear for their lives. If anyone else is in the boat, the hero would try to save the other but most often it might be, “every man for themselves!” Yet, as the Titanic went down, most men stayed behind while the women and children were given the life boats. That one tragic instance created more widows.

But the fear Jesus speaks of as he reassures his disciples, “Do no let your hearts be troubled . . .” was the fear of abandonment. He was leaving them, returning to his Father in heaven, and now it was their task to carry on his work on earth; the building of his Church. Could they do it? Can you do it? Can I do it? Jesus reassured his Apostles, and through them all disciples, to be at peace and know that he is always with them. That where he is going is a place where we are welcome and he will, “prepare a place for you.” Then, “I will come back again and take you to myself.” Such reassuring words, from the one who means what he says, should bring us all comfort.

Finally, trust in the words and presence of Jesus'Spirit in the world is a message that is ours to bring. Fear can be overwhelming if we let it. Yet, the power of fear, no matter what danger or troubles we face, can be diminished through our faith in Jesus Christ as members of his Church. If we truly believe that he is, “. . . the way and the truth and the life . . .” then we have a plan for living. The way to peace, courage, and security is through our faith in Christ.

Christ’s Church is going through a period of reform once again. The scandals of the present time, as real as they are, will not destroy but purify and once again redirect the Church. Some feel strongly about where the blame should be placed. They create fear and panic, they project their anger and blame the leaders, they’ve become so convinced of their perspective that they’ve over generalized and stretched the truth beyond what is reasonable. “Do not fear,” Our Lord reminds us today. He is with us, he is with his Church. Our task is to be faithful and weather the storm but to do so as faithful Christians. The good news is still good because it is his, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” It doesn’t get better than that.