Fr Kevin Kilgore

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The words, “Do not be afraid,” appear more than 100 times in the bible.

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It’s what Moses told the Israelites while the Lord was leading them out slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land.

“Do not be afraid.”

They’re the same words the Archangel Gabriel spoke to Mary before she conceived in her womb.

“Do not be afraid.”

It’s what Jesus tells his disciples in today’s Gospel and, again, after his resurrection. Hard days were ahead for those early Christians, but Jesus says: “Do not be afraid.”

Some 2,000 years later after Communism fell in Europe, Pope John Paul II reminded Catholics around the world, “Do not be afraid.”

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It’s a timely message for all of us. 

People are still afraid of catching COVID; afraid of returning to work; afraid of not finding a job. Some priests are afraid of Catholics not returning to church.

But Jesus reminds us, he’s stronger than the trials we face; he assures us of his strength. Whatever God intends for us to do, we can do it all through Christ who strengthens us.

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“Do not be afraid,” Jesus says, “I have overcome the world.”

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Saint Teresa of Avila, whose feast day we celebrate today, is one of the great mystics of the Church. Recognized for her gift of prayer, she wrote a book on the spiritual life called, The Interior Castle.

Teresa likens the soul to a castle made of a single diamond. Inside that castle, there are seven different rooms, each leading you closer to God. 

Outside the castle, however, there are venomous creatures trying to prevent you from entering. These creatures represent all those sins that impede our spiritual growth. 

In order to journey to God, we must leave these sins behind.

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So, what are the creatures living outside my castle? What prevents me from praying? What sins impede my spiritual growth?

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The spiritual life is often a back-and-forth; a struggle between virtue and vice.

But in this Eucharist, may the Lord strengthen us to enter our interior castle, seeking him wholeheartedly. 

(At Mass this morning, I also prayed for all of you, who may be reading this post online. May the Lord strengthen you, as well, who participate in communion spiritually.)

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There’s a post I saw on social media recently called, What’s In Your Cup?

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It shows a picture of a man standing in a hallway by his office at work. Somebody must’ve bumped into him, spilling the hot coffee from his cup onto his pants and shirt.

His reaction – like his coffee – was bitter.

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The point of the post was to remind us, that when we get bumped by inconvenience, bad news, or bad days, our character spills out.

For example, when stuck in traffic, some yell, scream and cut people off. Others are patient, considerate drivers.

When we we’re given an opportunity to serve, some take it. Others don’t.

When our faith is tested, some turn to the Lord for strength. Others ignore him.

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This is why Jesus rebukes the Pharisees in today’s Gospel. 

He challenges their faith – and sees they’re filled with “plunder and evil.” They’re bitter men, like bitter black coffee.

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So, what’s in my cup? 

What is my character – and my faith – like? When I’m bumped by trial or inconvenience, how do I respond?

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In this Eucharist, may the Lord give us the grace we need to face the day with love and kindness. Amen.

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