Not once, not twice, but three times Jesus repeats Himself in today’s Gospel (Matthew 10:26-33_:
- “Have no fear” (v. 26)
- “Do not fear” (v. 28)
- “Fear not” (v. 31)
Addressing everyone, Jesus tells us to not be afraid of those who live in the world. We do this by living in the light of two truths:
- Jesus has won the victory for us and for our salvation.
- We never stand alone but always and everywhere as a member of Christ’s Body
What are we to make of fear Jesus posits as proper: “Fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna [read: hell] (v. 28).
We are to rouse ourselves from slumber and be awakened to God’s Truth that human choices always are consequential – now and forever. Additionally, to “fear God” is to choose first what is eternal and everlasting. We “fear God” when we live consciously and intentionally for God who has made us for Himself.
