Herod, the tetrarch, heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, "This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” -Matt 14:1-2
Friends,
God is good all the time!
Today's scriptural passages for the Mass are fraught with disturbing news of murder and threat of murder. In the First Reading Jeremiah came so close to death because some people did not relish his teachings and decided that ending his life would be an escape from having to repeatedly hear his words. “This man deserves death; he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears” (Jer 26:11). Matthew also narrates how John's ministry sadly ended as he was murdered by Herod. Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him” (Matt 14:1-2).
When Christians turn to the Bible, what we hope to find are encouraging and hopeful messages. We have so much disturbing news around us, and we do not want to hear any more of it. So, we turn to the Bible for a promise and hope. That is why stories in today’s readings can disturb and discourage us. But it is because of the promise and hope we seek that we also find such disturbing scenarios in the Bible, for along these stories, are the most profound encouragement, hope, and promise we need.
Whenever the disciples of Jesus were disturbed, they received Jesus’ assuring words, "Be not afraid” (Cf. Matt 28:10; Lk 12:4). After Herod murdered John, it was the reputation of Jesus that gave hope to the people. Jesus emerges where we are disturbed, confused, afraid, divided, and hopeless to transform and revive the situations for us.
The person of Jesus and His most powerful words, especially when He bids us not to be afraid, must keep us anchored in hope and conviction that it is going to be well. He still works wonders, heals the sick, consoles families who have lost their loved ones, provides bread for those who are hungry, forgives sinners without judging them as unworthy for love, welcomes strangers, intercedes for and saves the enemies of Christians.
As we begin the month of August and still struggle with the pandemic, be refreshed by the same powerful of Jesus, "Be not afraid." Our Christian theology offers us a relationship with God, who is merciful, loving, and willing to bear our burdens with us. Whether you are burdened and troubled by disturbing news of the death of a loved one, illness, lay-offs, loss of income, the spread of the pandemic, loneliness from children leaving for college, worried about the school year. Trust in Jesus' reputation as one who is with us to lessen the burden, and His words, “Be not afraid.”
Prayer blessings: Lord, help us to see how, day by day, the gospel of Jesus and the whispering of the Spirit unite to increase our hope in your promises. Amen.