The Gospel today counsels against fear: "Have no fear ... Do not fear ... rather fear him who ... So do not be afraid ...". If one of the major messages of Jesus Christ was against us being afraid why is it, over the centuries, fear has been a domiant feature in catechesis? Why were children and adults instilled so much with fear so as to ensure their practise of the faith and compliance with religious rules? I think it is because fear is used routinely in other areas of life. It is quicker and easier to get someone to do what is the correct thing to do by frightening them rather than the long and difficult road of persausion and love. Yet, Christ goes by the latter option. On the way to Emmaus he listened to the disciples, walked with them and taught them again the Good News. St John writes: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love." (1 Jn 4: 18-19) If we wish to mature in faith and be perfected in love we need to conquer fear and trust solely in God's mercy and love which is revealed fully in Christ Jesus. After all, the Lord assures us: "So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Mtt 10: 31)
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