“FEAR AND FAITH HAVE OPPOSITE EFFECTS ON US.” This is a statement from “ANAWIM WAY” a booklet
for liturgical meditations. The Gospel of Mark (5:21-43), narrates the story of the daughter of Jairus,
a synagogue official. Jairus was
informed that his daughter was already dead.
So there was no more need to bother Jesus. But Jesus said to Jairus: “Do not be afraid,
just have faith.” Jesus then took the
girl’s hand and said: “Talitha, koum”, which means “Little girl, get up”. The girl immediately stood up and walked.
The
meditation further clarifies: “When we give in to fear, we draw away from God,
which leads us to loss of hope. When we
make acts of faith, even if they are as small as a mustard seed, we draw close
to God – we touch him, and he gives us new life.” From these reflections, I recall an
experience wherein I have to make a decision with an act of faith. I had a commitment to go to a parish of Sta.
Ana, Cagayan, to give a catechetical training to some public school
teachers. Our Catechetical Director,
then Rev. Fr. Ricardo Baccay, told me that I should hire a driver because the
distance was quite far and the road was rough.
I, therefore, sought the services of a driver. But when the time came for us to leave, the
driver was not on hand and he did not give any word on whether he would come or
not. Hence, I had to make a decision on
whether to proceed or not. While I was
then praying for guidance a song kept ringing in my ears: “Be not afraid, I go before you always, come follow me.” I considered
this as a sign that I should proceed.
So, I decided to drive the vehicle myself. Praise the Lord, I and two other catechists
reached the destination safe and sound.
From that experience I
am convinced that when we act in faith,
focus on God and put our trust in Him Who is almighty and our Father, fear is
driven away. On the other hand, fear sets in when we focus on ourselves, in our
incapacity or helplessness.
In our day
to day life there is wisdom, indeed, in
LIVING IN FAITH, focusing on GOD, OUR FATHER, rather than focusing on our
incapacities or helplessness. God knows
whatever we are in need of and if we put our trust in him, he will certainly
provide in a way that is best for us.
By: Buddy Cagurangan
July 8, 2012
