Do Not Be Afraid

12-18-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” This statement finds fulfilment in the birth of Jesus whose birth we await this season. One important fact to keep in mind is that this prophecy was made in a period of crisis in the Davidic kingdom, as enemy armies threatened to invade Jerusalem and remove King Ahaz from the throne. Ahaz out of fear of the invading Syrian army wanted to seek help from the Assyrians but the Prophet Isaiah dissuades him from doing so, encouraging him rather to seek divine help and assistance.

At last, Ahaz was victorious as the prophet Isaiah had foretold and with the dynasty’s survival in question, Isaiah foretold that an heir would be a sign that the kingdom would not end with Ahaz but would continue under God’s protection.

What we get from the encounter between King Ahaz and his dialogue with the prophet Isaiah is to learn how to seek divine assistance when we are confronted with a situation that threatens our lives and overwhelms us. When confronted with certain challenges in our lives let us seek divine help as God is always there to give us a helping hand. Thus, when the peace in our homes is threatened, when our families are facing challenging situations, when we are threatened by sickness or doubt let us seek divine assistance.

However, in the mind of some people, the prophecy: “Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son” refers to the Ahaz son, Hezekiah who carried out a religious reform and delivered Judah from many evils, showing that God was still with the dynasty. Its meaning is deeper than this, which is why the Church sees this birth of Immanuel being fulfilled transcendently in Jesus Christ and Mary His virgin mother. In the New Testament, especially in the Gospel narrative, Mary is the virgin who conceives and bears the royal son Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel reveals that Isaiah 7:14 as foretelling the virginal conception of the Messiah, which is fulfilled in Mary and Jesus. The fulfillment of the prophecy becomes much clearer with Christ’s reign over the world which has stood till date. The title Immanuel in Isaiah, which means “God is with us”, expressed God’s presence with His people, His concern for them.

In today’s Gospel passage also, we see one of the most frequent assurances in the scripture “Don’t be afraid”. We see it a number of times both in the old and new testament where God gives this assurance, “Don’t be afraid”. What does it mean and how can we understand this assurance “Do not be afraid”? The central message God gives us in this regard is to avoid any kind of fear that could destroy our union with Him. When we rely on his promises and abiding presence with us we have nothing to fear because He is over any situation in our lives since He is among us and He is with us.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.

Father Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.