When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified . . . and cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Tale heart, it is I, do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:26-27

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ Matthew 14:31

Well, Jesus, it’s easy for you to say do not be afraid. You’re the one walking on water. Peter tried to come to you, but fear overcame him, and he began to sink. Jesus grabbed his hand and said: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

How many times have we heard that line in Scripture—do not be afraid. The most commonly repeated phrase in the entire Bible, in both the Old Testament (over 100 times) and New Testament (about 44 times), is “Fear not! or “Have no fear!” or “Do not be afraid!” or “Be not afraid!’

Everyone is afraid sometimes, about something. I have a fear of heights, snakes and other crawling things, and lately, falling. We live in a world that offers plenty of chances to fear. We can also creatively think of new things to be fearful of. So perhaps, that’s why the phrase “do not be afraid” is often repeated in Scripture. Trusting in God will counteract the effects of fear. Even though the admonition is not to be afraid, the implication that trusting is having faith in God.

This week, on August 15th, is the celebration of the Feast of the Virgin Mary. The Annunciation is the perfect story of fear that turned into faith. A young woman, a virgin, is visited by the angel Gabriel who has been sent from God. Gabriel says: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” Not only is Mary perplexed but I believe she was also afraid. Gabriel tells her that her cousin, Elizabeth, who is advanced in age, is also with child. Gabriel says: ‘For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ All her fears and doubts were erased by her faith in God.

If we don’t focus on the fear but increase our faith, then we have nothing to be afraid of. Focus on our relationship with God, focus on God’s nearness, focus on that light that burns inside of us to erase some of the darkness of the world.

Be Not Afraid (song by St. Louis Jesuits) Chorus:

Be not afraid,

I go before you always

Come follow me

And I will give you rest.