The Happy Priest: 'Fear Not Little Flock.' Overcoming Fear

Another man went to the doctor for his annual physical. When he returned home, his wife noticed that he was troubled and anxious. "What's the matter, dear?" asked the man's wife. "The doctor told me that I would have to take a pill every day for the rest of my life". "That's nothing to be upset about", said his wife. "There are a lot of people that have to take medication for the rest of their lives." "Yes, dear, I understand", said the man. "But the doctor only gave me one pill."

Life is filled with many difficulties and challenges that cause us to be fearful. Each day we are confronted with many events that may cause us to become apprehensive. Going to a new school; starting a new job; having to take the car in for repairs on the busiest day of the week; dealing with a computer virus; missing an important deadline at work; getting laid off from work; coping with a child's sudden illness; these are just some of the many things that happen each day that may cause us to be filled with fear, sick with apprehension.

This Sunday's gospel narrative gives us a clear teaching on how we are to handle fear. "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12: 32).

What is fear? Fear is defined as "an unsettledness of soul consequent upon the apprehension of some present or future danger." However, while a normal type of fear prevents us from doing dangerous things; abnormal fear paralyzes the human soul.

Many doctors and psychologists can tell us that abnormal fear is a disintegrating adversary of the human personality. People controlled by their fears are disturbed during the day and haunted at night. Abnormal fear tangles the mind with terrible obsessions. It saps vital energy from the body and the soul, and it destroys the presence of inner peace.

In my parish, we have only one second collection a month. The sum collected is designated for our building fund since we are a tithing parish. However, I wonder what would happen if I surprised the congregation this Sunday with an extra second collection. This special collection would be a collection of everyone's fears. Parishioners would then drop what they feared most into the collection basket. I wonder if the second collection would be larger than the first collection.

The remedy for fear is faith. This Sunday's second reading describes faith as "the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of the things not seen" (Hebrews 11: 1).

Here is a great story that illustrates that in this life we need to do everything that we can and then leave the rest up to God.

The Mississippi River was flooding its banks, and the waters were rising swiftly around Clem's house. The waters had gotten to the level of the front porch where Clem was standing when a man in a rowboat came by and called to Clem, "Hop in and I'll take you to high ground." Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"

The river continued to rise to the second story windows and Clem, looking out, saw a powerboat come up. The man in the powerboat called to Clem, "Hop in and I'll take you to high ground." Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"

The river had now risen to the roof of the house. Clem was sitting on the ridge at the top of the house with the waters swirling around his feet. He saw a helicopter fly over, and the people inside yelled over a bull horn, "Grab the rope and climb in, and we'll take you to high ground." Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"

The river continued to rise. Finally the floodwaters engulfed the house and Clem was drowned. The next thing he knew, Clem was standing before his God. In anger, he asked God, "I put my trust in you. Why have you forsaken me?" And his God replied, "What do you want from me? I sent you a rowboat, a powerboat, and a helicopter!" (http://www.inspiration.com )

"Our soul awaits the Lord, he is our help and shield; our hearts rejoice in him, we trust in his holy name. Lord, let your love rest on us as our hope has rested in you" (Psalm 33: 20-22).

Security is not found in the things of this world. Assuredness can only be found in God. This is the message of this Sunday's gospel narrative. "Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is there also will your heart be" (Luke 12: 33-34).

Many people attempt to find comfort and security in a luxurious home, lots of money, unlimited access to credit, or a big promotion at work. Only God can provide the security that we need so that we can handle the many challenges and difficulties that come our way each day.

Without a doubt, we live in a very difficult world. It is very easy to succumb to the darkness of fear. But, this is where we have been given an excellent opportunity to grow in holiness. Let God sit in the driver's seat. Give him the keys. Let him take over.

Click to expand...