How should we manage the fear and anxiety we encounter in our lives? Today’s reflection examines Christ’s exhortation against fear, reminding us that love for God and neighbor can cast out fear while making an impact on the world.

July 13, 2025: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Deuteronomy 30:10–14
Psalm 69:14, 17, 30–31, 33–34, 36–37
Colossians 1:15–20
Luke 10:25–37

An Antidote to Fear

A reflection by David Jackson

There are many things to be worried about these days–it seems like every time you open the news, there is a new crisis which demands our attention. How can we overcome our fear and anxiety so that we can build a better world? It seems a daunting task, but today’s lectionary readings can set us on the right path. Before jumping into the solution, though, it may be helpful to get a better handle on the problem itself by examining a gospel reading which focuses very heavily on fear: Matthew 10:1–33.

The chapter begins with Jesus' summoning of the twelve, giving "them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness." The evangelist then gives us the names of the twelve apostles and recounts Christ sending them out with specific instructions. But a certain darkness follows in the text, indicative of coming persecution.

The apostles are told, "When they persecute you in this town, flee to the next, for truly I tell you, you will not have finished going through all the towns of Israel before the [Chosen One] comes." In verse 26, they are commanded to "have no fear of [Beelzebub and those of his household].”

Three times, in Matthew 10, this exhortation is repeated, in stark contrast to some of the terrifying images that surround it. It reminds me of these words from Jeremiah 6:14: "They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying: 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace." It is one thing to say, "Don't be afraid," and another to actually overcome fear–such entreaties sometimes risk coming across as platitudes.

The passage comes to an end with the image of the two sparrows and hairs numbered on our heads–things which are seemingly inconsequential or unknowable, but which God knows and values. The evangelist emphasizes that no matter what may come, we are seen and held by God. Perhaps this does not relieve us of our fear completely, but God loves and sustains us regardless.

In Barbara Reid’s book Abiding Word: Sunday Reflections for Year A, Reid begins her reflection on this text with this famous phrase: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." These are the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, spoken in 1933 in the midst of the deepest economic depression the nation had ever experienced. Some might say this mirrors what we are going through now. Our economic situation is certainly one part of the chaos, but war, greed, ugliness, deportations, cruelty, and countless other issues surround us today. It’s not surprising if we are worried or fearful.

Reid tells us, however, that "people who work in organizational change management have observed that fear, along with cynicism and judgment, is one of the greatest obstacles to creating new structures and relationships.” Christ’s exhortation to “fear not” is not just for our own good, but for the good of our neighbors and the world. We, like the apostles, are sent out to enact change.

While Reid’s book was published in 2013, there is much that remains relevant for us in 2025. Consider the following quote:

"This gospel gives us an opportunity to reflect on what it is we most fear in following Jesus–not so as to fuel the fear by focusing on it, but rather to acknowledge honestly what are our obstacles to proclaiming the Gospel more fully with our lives. When we face our fears, voice them aloud to another, and surrender them to the One who has counted every hair on our heads, we can defuse their paralyzing power over us. Placing our full attention on the One who cares for us and empowers us, there comes a freedom beyond fear."

This attention is the command Moses speaks of in today’s first reading, something which is already within us. It is not something which we can find outside of ourselves, for “the word of YHWH is very near to you; it is in your mouth, and in your heart, so that you can keep it.” Love for God, lived out in our daily lives in our actions towards those around us and our passion for a better world, is all-consuming. It leaves no room for fear, recognizing that “all things hold together in Christ,” as the second reading proclaims.

If we follow the Spirit’s promptings and lead Christlike lives, God will bring our work to completion. Loving our neighbor, as Christ teaches us in today’s gospel reading, is the antidote for fear, for “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 Jn 4:18).

Before writing this today, June 29th, the presider at our online intentional community chose this song for us: "Be not afraid, I go before you always, come follow me, and I will give you rest." As we go forth into the week, let us bring love to our communities boldly, trusting in God’s infinite help.

Praying with Scripture:

-       Imagine the Holy One caring for sparrows and overlooked creatures, then let the Spirit tell you about your great worth in God's eyes.

-       Tell God about the fears you have and then surrender them into God's hands.

-       Conclude your prayer with praise and thanksgiving, letting God's Spirit empower you.

As a Catholic priest for 48 years David Jackson preached on most Sundays. Binding the Strongman: A Political Reading of Mark's Story by Ched Myers has been his go to for Cycle B, Mark. His love of Scripture led him to pursue an M.A. from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. For the past 16 years, he has sent out homily reflections to friends. For the last two years these reflections have also been available on Roman Catholic Women Priests Canada's bimonthly newsletter. Since he discovered Catholic Women Preach, that web site is part of his weekly preparation. At 82 years of age, he has been married for the last ten years to the love of his life, Alva. In March he published his first book, Jesus Gardens Me, available on Amazon.

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