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Friday, December 3, 2010

Experiencing Fear and Faith

First Week of Advent - Friday
Isaiah 29:17-24 / Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 / Matthew 9:27-31

Experiencing Fear and Faith
Faith and fear are two basic human experiences. Faith has been an issue of theological controversy over the centuries. Martin Luther asserted we are saved by “faith alone” as opposed to good works. Our Catholic tradition has sometimes left people with the impression that saying enough prayers and doing enough good deeds will pave our way to heaven. In truth Christianity refuses to separate faith and works, but this does not diminish the significance of total reliance upon Christ for our salvation. Good works are a result of the obedience of faith. A faith that is not obedient is not good faith. The Letter of James, which Luther had trouble with, seems to bridge the gap between faith and works, joining them together. Following Jesus is a matter of both faith and works. And Lutherans and Catholics have largely come to agree on that.

Fear is something we’ve all experienced. It can be paralyzing for some while others respond to fear with pre-emptive strikes thinking that the best defense is a good offense. But both of these responses only fuel the fires of fear. When one has waited too long to act, fear can only lead to hopelessness as “What should I do?” becomes “Is it too late to do anything now?” Pre-emptive force, on the other hand, exacerbates enmity and reinforces opinion and prejudice.

The Christ whose coming we are preparing for calls us to act according to our faith and quench fear with love. When we pray with the psalmist, “Whom shall I fear?” we are not being brash and over-confident. We are being realistic. We are not taunting opponents; we are not warning: “Don’t mess with me!” We are simply placing our faith in God, trusting that God will be our light – even if it seems dark all around us. We are not throwing caution to the wind; we are exercising confidence in the one who makes the wind to blow where he wills.

If a storm is coming, the psalmist will still board up windows and batten down the hatches. If someone is threatening our safety we would do well to make sure we can defend ourselves or defuse the problem, but would we be justified in picking a fight in anticipation?

“Whom shall we fear?” is not so much a question as a statement of faith.

For your prayerful consideration: 
  • What fear are you facing (or avoiding) now?
  •  Spend a few moments repeating the psalmist’s confident prayer, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” Does this prayer change your experience of fear? If so, describe the new experience, and return to the psalmist’s words. If not, describe what you are afraid of, and return to the psalmist’s words.

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