Fearfulness

Sunday, August 13, 2023, | Ordinary Time
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Year A | Roman Missal | Lectionary

First Reading  1 Kings 19:9a, 11–13a
Response  Psalm 85:8
Psalm  Psalm 85:9–14
Second Reading  Romans 9:1–5
Gospel Acclamation  Psalm 130:5
Gospel  Matthew 14:22–33

Brothers and sisters, 

Today’s Gospel discussed one of the most profound human characteristics, “fear.” It has been described in the scene of “Jesus walks on the Sea” to reach his disciples who were in trouble by wind and storm in the middle of the sea. The encounter between Jesus and his disciple was not in a suitable manner: they were scared and lost their faith, as described: ”And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and they cried out for fear.”  Mt 14:26. But Jesus already knew the fear of his disciples and suddenly said to them: “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” [Mt 14:27]. 

What is fear?

First, It is a mindset of pressure or grief caused by concern over a threat to one future. 

Peter’s attitude in Matthew 14:30 illustrates a mindset of pressure or grief caused by concern over a future threat. He became afraid when he saw the wind boisterous and began to sink. He became nervous about the dangers, his weakness, and his limits. In this situation, Peter cried and shouted: ”Lord, save me.” This example could be classified as a fear of the future connected to the fear of death. 

The Gospel also describes a fear of the supernatural and abnormal situations. For instance, when Jesus walked on water, the disciples cried out in fear, thinking it was a spirit [Mt 14:26]. During prayer, we may ask for salvation [God’s intervere] but demand it in our way instead of letting God save us in his way. Sometimes, God comes in a very abnormal situation, as we hear in today’s Gospel. We must be ready for what we asked for and how he responds. 

The Last question is about “What makes you fear?” As Jesus asks his disciples: “Why are ye fearful?” [Mt 28:26]. There are many reasons why we become fearful. But the scene of Jesus walking on the sea taught us the leading cause of fearfulness. It is the lack of faith and obedience to God. Faithlessness causes blindness that makes Jesus appear as a ghost, leading to delusion and a tendency to impose our own will while doubting Jesus’ presence, just like Peter did: “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water!” Mt 14:28.

Lack of faith drives us to be unbelievers, fearful and disobedient followers. 

 Rev. Habel Jadera 

@shortcutechism