Zep 2:3; 3:12-13 / 1 Cor 1:26-31 / Mt 5:1-12
A pastor was giving a sermon about worrying. In an effort to emphasize that worrying never achieves anything, he said, "Ninety-nine percent of the things we worry about never happen."
"Aha," said a woman in the back. "You see. It does work!"
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For some reason, we cling to our worries and fears as if they were best friends, as if our worrying and being afraid could protect us from failure and hurt. But, of course, they can't.
The only things that fear can do for us are all bad: It can paralyze us when we need to act; it can make us run away when we need to stay and work things out; or it can make us attack blindly when what we really need is to negotiate thoughtfully.
Fear and worry can't get us where we want to go. Life has shown us that. Yet, far too often, we give in to fear because life's dangers seem too great and its hurts seem too much to bear — especially if we're weary and wounded already.
Sunday's Gospel, the eight beatitudes, is Jesus's response to us weary, wounded folks who are such easy prey to fear and worry. "Congratulations," He says — eight times. (That's what all those "blesseds" mean.)
"I congratulate you NOT because you're poor, sad, lowly, or persecuted, but because, in spite of that, God our Father cherishes you, walks with you, and will not let you be destroyed by any of that — no matter what. Congratulations!
"I congratulate you further," says Jesus, "Not just because you're striving to be good, striving to be compassionate and faithful. I congratulate you because God our Father sees your striving, and will bless your efforts in His own way and in His own time — if only you'll be patient. Congratulations!" Jesus says — eight times.
"Fear is useless. What is needed is faith." How many times Jesus said that. And He's saying it to us now. Listen to Him: "Our Father is with you. He knows exactly what you need, and He wants to give it to you. Trust Him. Open your heart to Him. Walk with Him and be not afraid, for all the world is His, and you are His own very special children."
