Fear and War

The past few weeks have been anxious times for sure. As war rages in various parts of the earth we wonder if war will affect us, here at home. We are emotionally manipulated by politicians and the media to be in a constant state of fear of war. I am not afraid of war.

The Lord said to his disciples, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master; it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10.23-31

Our Lord tried to prepare us for war when He warned us, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” If the evil forces of the world fought against Christ, and wounded Him with beatings and scourging and death, we are foolish to think we are not at risk of violence.

We are servants of the same God the world rejected. We are servants of the same God Who patiently endure affliction and crucifixion. We are servants of the same God Who stood in the crowd and blessed His enemies. With our God, fear has no place in the face of violence.

It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t watch the news and be prepared to defend ourselves. It doesn’t mean we ‘just sit back’ and wait for violence. Christ also said we should flee from place to place to avoid persecution. That only leaves one thing for us in this most recent time of war.

Christ said, “Rather fear him who can destroy the body and the soul in Gehenna.” Who is He warning us about if not the devil and his demons. Temptation and sin are much greater dangers than global war. Rather than fearing war, we should fear sin.

As we continue to watch global tensions rise and calm, as has always been the case, I invite you to sit in prayer. Pray for peace in the world. Then pray to avoid temptation and sin. Pray that you have the courage to stand up against temptation with as much zeal as against war.

If you want something to fear, fear laziness and greed in your own heart. Fear anger and a short temper in the face of your struggles and relationships. For sure, do your best to avoid war, but at the very least fear the sin that kills your soul.