22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Do not be afraid.

What was Peter afraid of? He had just heard Jesus preach the good news of salvation and then had seen him perform an awesome miracle. You would think he would be filled with joy, not dread!

But Peter knew that he was a sinner and that the man standing before him had just revealed the glory of God. He also knew that God’s glory had a reputation for burning away sinfulness—and sinful people. So he feared that he might be doomed unless he could convince Jesus to “depart” from him before anything happened to him (Luke 5:8).

Jesus didn’t share Peter’s assessment of the situation. Peter had nothing to be afraid of; no one had to go anywhere!

Do not be afraid. Let Jesus’ words to Peter settle in your heart as well. Let them convince you that it’s perfectly safe to come into the presence of God. On the contrary, it’s the most rewarding, joyous, saving thing you could ever do—and you can do it every single day!

Do not be afraid that he will condemn you for your sins. “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). That includes you!

Do not be afraid that he will ask the impossible of you. Repeat with St. Paul, “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me” (Philippians 4:13). Jesus wants to empower you!

Do not be afraid that you are unworthy to be in his presence. Instead, come to him and let him make you worthy: “Through the blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance . . . by the new and living way he opened for us” (Hebrews 10:19, 20). He wants to welcome you and embrace you!

Jesus loves you far too much to reject you or condemn you. So come to him. Let his mercy wash over you, let his love fill your heart, and let his grace empower you to follow him. Do not be afraid.

“Here I am, Lord! Let me experience your presence today.”

1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 5:1-11