Do not be afraid

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Gospel: Mt 1:18-24
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122125.cfm

In the advent gospels, the angel tells people to “not be afraid.” When the angels use the phrase, they are referencing the person’s response to them. It’s like a way of saying, “Don’t worry, everything will be okay.” In today’s gospel, the Angel gives a reason for the lack of fear as is also done in other passages within scripture. The reason to not fear is because God is pleased with her. The fear mentioned is regarding the moment of divine encounter. The fear is directed at the presence of something divine.

The theme of not fearing is throughout the Old and New Testament. Joshua 1:9 says to fear not for God is always with you. This fear is about what is to come. It’s a fear of uncertainty or an outside threat, not something divine. The reason to not fear is because God is always present with you. As Romans 8:31 says, “If God is with us, who can stand against us.” 

When scripture says fear of God, the more accurate meaning is to be in awe of God. To fear God is to be overwhelmed by the immenseness of God, not be scared or terrified of God. With God there is no need to fear. No fear with God or anything else, but it is natural for us to fear. Fear can protect us, but it can also hold us back from possibility.  Even with her devolution and favor with God, Mary was still told not to fear. 

We shouldn’t let fear overtake us. God doesn’t want our fear to limit God’s plan for us. God wants us to let go of our fear so God’s will can be done through us. Don’t let fear limit you, but embrace the safety of giving your will over to God.