Scripture Reflection, June 22: Be Not Afraid

Scripture Readings:
Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 69
Romans 5: 12-15
Matthew 10: 26-33

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We have heard a lot about the life and professional career of Tim Russert during the past week. The news chief of the NBC Washington bureau and moderator of “Meet the Press” obviously touched many people through his work and his personal interaction. His reflections on growing up in Buffalo, especially the impact his father made on his life, helped people to see Russert as a real human being, not just a “talking head” on network television. As I listened to some of the comments made by his professional colleagues, I was struck by how often they mentioned the importance that his Catholic faith had in Russert’s life. Several of the reporters and commentators spoke of him as a person of lively faith who always exhibited interest and concern about others in ways that went beyond professional courtesy. They remembered that Russert often promised the support of his prayers when they or their family members were experiencing difficulty. They recalled the impact that Russert’s visit with Pope John Paul II made on his life.

We are not accustomed to hearing news professionals speak so freely about faith and prayer. Reporters and commentators often seem to manifest deep suspicion of religion, sometimes even hostility toward it. There must have been something about the witness of Russert’s life that convinced them of the sincerity of his faith. In a profession that often exposes the dark side of religious institutions and religious figures, Russert shone the light of Christ by the way in which he went about his work and related to the people he met. In his own down-to-earth way, he was a witness.

The Scripture readings for this Sunday call us to give courageous witness to Christ. They summon us to be people who are not afraid to be identified as followers of Jesus and members of the Church. The section of Matthew’s gospel from which we read is sometimes called the “missionary discourse.” Jesus instructs his followers about the requirements and challenges of continuing his mission in the world. The first words of this gospel reading offer a hint about what will follow: “Fear no one.” Jesus is realistic about the opposition that his followers will encounter. At the same time, he wants his disciples to be free of fear and full of trust in God’s faithful care for them. In the midst of the distinct challenge that Jesus places before us, he offers words that are consoling and strengthening. “Even all the hairs on your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

It must have taken a certain internal fortitude for Tim Russert to speak of the importance of his Catholic faith in an environment that is often dismissive of faith. For many of us, fortitude does not come easily or naturally. We struggle with Jesus’ words about not being afraid in the face of opposition. All of us encounter moments and situations when the opinions of others, and the pressures to conform, make it difficult for us to stand up for our faith in Christ. In our June Catholics on Call young adult conference, some of the participants spoke very personally about the challenges to their faith that they meet among their friends and sometimes even among their own family members. As people discerning a life of service in the Church they listen to people who, in subtle or more explicit ways, discourage them from pursuing such a vocation. It requires internal fortitude to strive to live the gospel in one’s everyday life and to listen for God’s call in an open and trusting manner.

Those of us who do not feel naturally courageous can take comfort from the life of Jeremiah, about whom we hear in this Sunday’s first reading. Jeremiah received his call to the prophetic vocation at a time of political crisis, when Israel was caught in the middle of intrigue and power-grabbing among the stronger nations that surrounded it. At such a time, no one wanted to hear a word of challenge, a summons to repentance. Such a word sounded like treason. But that was precisely the kind of message that Jeremiah had to speak. He felt compelled to challenge the injustice and idolatry of the leaders and the people. He was severely ridiculed and persecuted for being so forthright in his message. Even his friends and family rejected him. This rejection was very difficult for Jeremiah. He was a naturally sensitive person who did not seem to be cut out for the job of prophet. He did not have the “thick skin” that is usually needed to speak and act courageously. There were times in which he became so discouraged that he wanted to give up and run away. In the end, however, he could not do that.

In this Sunday’s reading, we hear Jeremiah’s struggle and pain over the fact that his friends are out to get him. Yet in the midst of his struggle, and even with his own sensitive temperament, Jeremiah reaffirms his faith in the closeness and faithful care of God: “But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.”

Jeremiah is set before us as one for whom internal fortitude came only through the grace of God. On his own, he was no pillar of strength. It was the presence and power of God that enabled him to fulfill his calling in life. The call to live the gospel, to be faithful to Christ, requires a level of courage that none of us has on our own. We depend on the grace of God for the fortitude we need to acknowledge Christ before others. The risen Christ tells us, as he told his disciples, not to be afraid. He invites us to trust in the faithful care of the God who has numbered all the hairs on our heads. In the Eucharist we are privileged to receive Christ, who is himself our strength. As we approach the table of the Lord this Sunday, may we ask for the courage we need to give witness to our faith in Christ by what we say and how we live. May we be given the fortitude to be a light that shines for others to see.

Fr. Robin Ryan, cp