The Holy Prophet Hosea (8th c. BC); the Venerable-Martyr Andrew of Crete (767)
2 Corinthians 1:8-11; Luke 5:27-32
Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Are you afraid of death? Are you afraid of suffering? There are times when I am. And then I consider myself weak in faith since Our Lord Jesus Christ has conquered death and suffering by His death; they have no power over me. So why do I give them power at certain times? This is what the Holy Apostle Paul draws our attention to in today’s epistle. Even the great apostle saw himself afflicted, despairing of life itself, feeling utterly and unbearably crushed. The pandemic we have been experiencing has driven many of us to fear and anxiety. Many of us have gone beyond the virtue of prudence: taking precautions to protect ourselves and those vulnerable around us, and instead have become paralyzed with fear. This fear can lead to isolation, the breakdown of human community, and perhaps even a testing of our faith when we cry out to God “Lord where are you in all of this! When will this come to end?”
Brothers and sisters, we must beware of what fear can lead us into doing. Fear rightly ordered is an important emotion, for example, the fight-or-flight response causes us to run away or confront a snarling dog when it leaps towards us. But unnatural fear, fear of the unknown, can be a wicked temptation. Does this temptation keep us away from others? Does it convince us not to go to Divine Liturgy for fear of getting sick or getting others sick, even when we are taking due precautions? Beware of these temptations. The Holy Apostle reminds us that for the Christian fear of death or suffering is a type of pridefulness, we rely on ourselves instead of on God who has saved us, who has delivered us through Jesus Christ: “on him, we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” God knows the struggles we face. We must trust Him that He will indeed deliver us. Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid!
In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)