REFUGEE CRISIS AND A GLOBAL CALL FOR ACTION

The Situation…

It is not untrue that we are in crisis. A Nigerian soldier of about 40 years of age was narrating his experiences during one of the battles against the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency, which cannot easily be wiped out from the memory of every Nigerian. What touched him so much was the helplessness he saw in the people of Borno, togetherness with the hopelessness that they seemed to have worn on their bodies. Children were seen crying and no one seemed to have had the interest of calming them. No one remembered anything outside the untiring alertness to save oneself from death. People deserted their homes and in transit when darkness meets them, slept under trees and even on top of trees. There was no good water, no food, no shelter, as people were killed one after the other, which made many to even give up on the struggle for safety. It was a horrible experience for this soldier in the face of such displaced individuals. This is not just a story told in the national level but also told in the global level. Why would the nation not be called to act when human life suffers such a threat? Why would the world not be called to quick action in the face of such crisis that seriously knocks to erode the sacredness and dignity of the human person? Why would Non-Governmental Organizations not be alerted when such heinous crime is committed against human right? And why would ecclesiastical institutions not come in when such grievous sin is committed against the image of God (man)? We are all in this together. And we have to solve it together.

The Explication…

According to the UN 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is any person who owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or owing to such fear is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or owing to such fear is unwilling to return to it {League of Nations Treaty Series Vol. 171, p.77}. This definition was later expanded to include every person who, owing to external aggression, occupation, foreign domination or events seriously disturbing public order in either part or the whole country of origin or nationality, is compelled to leave his place of habitual residence in order to seek refuge in another place outside his country {Assembly of Heads of State and Government, 6th Ordinary Session 1969}. This definition unveils the causes of refugee crisis, and spells out the fact that being in such status results from fear and the protection of life.

The complication…

Despite the obvious risk faced by refugees seeking Asylum in various places all over the world, many of them have decided to rather die en route to their destination than remain in their country. In a more particular outlook, Nigeria amongst other African countries is currently experiencing an upsurge in refugee crisis because of the presence and activities of majorly, the Boko Haram terrorist group. According to the Integrated Regional Information Networks, there are 8,128 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon’s far North Region, with only 5,289 being registered. The presence of Boko Haram which is an Islamic terrorist group affiliated to international terrorist groups like al Queda and Isis in the Northeastern part of Nigeria has practically destroyed economic, and social growth in that part of the country, making majority of its residents to seek asylum elsewhere. Since 2009 when the country experienced an upsurge in these acts of terrorism, more than 20,000 persons have been killed and more than 2.3 million displaced of whom about 1.3 million are children. In 2014, 276 schoolgirls were reported to have been abducted from a school in Chibok, Nigeria. In 2015, the Global Terrorism Index named Boko Haram the world’s deadliest terror group, ahead of Isis. In a Northeast Nigerian aid camp, more than 1200 people have died of starvation and illness. One fifth of the 800 children suffered from malnourishment and almost 500 had died since entering the camp, Maiduguri is estimated to host between 1.2 million to 2 million refugees, in addition to these staggering facts, There are reports of food thefts, spread of communicable diseases, lack of proper medical health care, impoverished living conditions, diversion of funds, and terrorist infiltration in these camps. These are the ingredients which qualifies this refugee crisis as indeed a crisis unto the human race.

In consideration of a more general outlook, in April 2015, 5 boats carrying almost 2000 Migrants to Europe sank in the Mediterranean Sea, resulting to a combined death of more than 1200 persons. The dead included young women and children who were fleeing from Asian and African countries in the throes of genocidal warfare. From Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Eritrea, Sudan and Iraq they all sought to enter Europe in hope of economic safety and better life. Some from places like Syria fled from religious persecution, and terrorist occupation others from Egypt and Afghanistan in addition to terrorist occupation fled political and social unrest which has caused national instability.

The Implication…

In the first place and in consideration of the above particular outlook, the situation is vividly a very deplorable one for these refugees who have fled their homes. The internally displaced aid Camps set up by the Nigerian government has not met the needs of these refugees adequately, the conditions of these citizens forced to be refugees in their own country is a proof of the callousness and greed that has permeated the veins and marrows of the Nigerian structure. It is a big source of worry, when one imagines how Africa, and Nigeria in particular can take care of her refugees, when they have not been able to cater for citizens who are not refugees? This is a reason why many of these refuges are still trooping into the countries, where they opt to stay with friends and families while fending for themselves rather than remain in the refugee centers which has assumed the status of a dumping ground for forgotten victims of terrorist attacks. 

In the second place and in consideration of the above general outlook, the migration of refugees has led to an increase in human trafficking, exploitation of human labor, security threats, over-population of local demographics, lack of proper health care services and a breakdown of law and order, terrorists have been known to infiltrate countries under the guise of refugee status, unleashing mayhem on their unsuspecting hosts. This has led to a rise in Islamophobia because a greater percentage of these refugees are fleeing from Islamic countries. This explains the strict laws from their host Countries. Countries like Denmark, Hungary, Croatia, France and Sweden have adopted strict laws regarding the acceptance of refugees even those on transit. While other countries like Germany, Italy, Russia, and America have opened their doors to accommodate as much people as possible. Germany has been the most sought—after final destination in the EU migrant and refugee crisis.

The Deplication…

The threat and danger of displaced persons all over the world due to war, terrorism, poverty, and natural disaster has thus become an alarming problem in need of urgent global attention and action. The United Nations and the European Union have been the two most powerful organizations fighting for a positive global action towards refugee crisis. The United Nations in particular has been at the fore front of peace keeping and crisis resolution especially in places like Syria, Egypt, Libya, Iraq etc. this is to stop the migration of citizens in these countries to other places and to facilitate the return of those who have already migrated, secondly the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees {UNHCR} which is the UN refugee agency has protected and supported millions of refugees all over the world. They offer voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement to refugee. Its principal mandate is to provide, on a non-political and humanitarian basis, international protection to refugees and to seek permanent solutions to them. 

The European Union has also responsibly confronted the challenge of global refugee crisis especially within the European continent. In a press release given by the European commission on 9th September, 2015 in Strasbourg, the Commission outlined the measures and policies set in place to tackle the problem of global refugee crisis. This includes the promise to relocate 120,000 people in clear need of international protection from Greece, Hungary and Italy to other EU member states, a common European list of safe countries of origin, a more effective return policy, communication on public procurement rules for refugee support measures, addressing the external dimension of the refugee crisis, and setting up a € 1.8 billion trust fund for Africa in order to improve stability and address irregular migration in the Sahel, Lake Chad, Horn of Africa, and North Africa. 

In 2015, the EU was able to reach an agreement with Turkey to offer 3 billion Euros to the Turkish government over a period of 2 years to manage more than 2 million refugees from Syria who sought refuge in Turkey in return for curbing migration through Turkey to EU. Refugees under the 1951 convention relating to the status of Refugees have the right of return, right to no-refoulement, right to family reunification and right to onward movement. The Holy Father Pope Francis has been very consistent and forceful in his call for the acceptance and right treatment of refugees all over the world especially in Europe. He did this through integrating and offering assistance to refugees in the city of Rome. Since his accession to the Chair of St. Peter he has always washed the feet of refugees at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, A symbolic act of love which reminds World leaders of their duty to the less privileged and poor of the society. The pope has also called on world leaders to assist in ending global production of Arms and chemical weapons, the killing and persecution of religious minorities and all other actions which enhance global refugee migration and crisis.

Indeed, religion has offered a great deal to the refugee crisis. Many historians are of the opinion that religious fanaticisms ought to be addressed at least or even held responsible at worst for the global refugee crisis. Christianity, Islamism, Budhism, Confucianism, Hinduism must all donate their efforts in this fight against this cankerworm that is eating deep into the fabrics of our world.

The Occasion…

I have no occasion for this write-up if there is no refuge crisis in our globe. There is the need to calm the global refugee crisis in the face of the ever growing selfish individualism of the world, whereby no one seems to care about the other. Some countries abhor refugees for fear of issues of security or religious invasion. These are not excuses to shy away from the responsibility of caring for every human person. The need to be active in this refugee crisis is spelt out in Matt 25:35: for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took me in. These words should resound in the ears of the people of the world. Pope Francis calls the attention of the World to the present raging epidemic of hostility and indifference. He condemns the development which favors bureaucracy and organizational structures at the expense of the human person. The ongoing global refugee crisis is fostered by greed, ignorance and poverty which relegate the right and value of the human person. World leaders and all persons are thus called to hearken to the voice of good reason, of true conscience, and of sincere charity and stand with solidarity for the common good. This voice is in accord with the United Nations Declaration on human right.

Though various countries and organizations are making effort to end the global refugee crisis, such efforts must commensurate to the level of crisis currently going on. The global effort by UN, AU, EU and all other organizations must be sincere, just, urgent and humane, and must be unlike the politics being played by various countries over the current Syrian crisis. Those in charge of making global policies must recognize the deplorable condition and dangers which refugees are exposed to. They must recognize the pains, horrors, and sufferings of the people who appear in their manual as statistics. Those who support and make profits from global crisis through arms trade must desist from doing so. All the people of the world must be spurred by this personal dimension to take decisive and urgent actions to end global warfare and refugee crisis. Yes, together we help humanity.

Fr. Peter Ezekoka  (published in the WISDOM SATELLITE magazine, no. 39, June 2017/2018 edition )

HE WHO RECEIVES YOU RECIEVES ME...

HOMILY FOR THE 13^TH SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

We live in a society that is gradually losing the sense of hospitality and appreciation. There is the need to emphasise on the practical and spiritual benefits of hospitality and appreciation. The way we receive others and the way we appreciate others based on favours received count in our journey of faith. Even before considering the realm of faith, no one enjoys been rejected as visitors. Every visitor has the desire to be welcomed warmly and desirously. You can discover how important warm welcome is when you find yourself as a visitor in another man’s land, or when you experience rejection from a home where you thought you should enjoy a pride of place. Everyone desires warm welcome. Beyond our status as humans, we are bound even more as Christians to show love to visitors. The topic of our homily today which came from the Gospel (Mat. 10:37-42) exposes the words of Christ: he who receives you receives me. Christ incarnates in every visitor and so, receiving ourselves in faith equals receiving Christ. Thus, from the foregoing, the two key words we need to delineate well are HOSPITALITY AND APPRECIATION (GRATITUDE).

However, before we enter deeply into the general sense of this reception and gratitude, let us point out from the Gospel the biblical context out of which the statement was made. In the Gospel, Jesus was specifically talking to his apostles about some mission requirements and approaches. Therefore, he was saying particularly that the one who receives the apostles who are the ministers of the good news receives him Jesus. He who receives a prophet because of who he is shall receive the reward of the prophet. Jesus desires that his ministers be received well by every home and be treated as such. You cannot tell the reward the minister has come with when you receive him well. You may have lost hope about a particular situation, and thereupon based your thought on another situation, without knowing that God in his prophet comes with the restoration of the favours of the first situation. When you receive a minister of God, you do great favours to God, to Christ, to the prophet and even to yourself. Luke 10:16 repeats these words but in another way: he who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but him who rejects him rejects him who sent him. The question that begs for answer is: What have you done for the minister of God who is at your reach?

WHAT IS THEN HOSPITALITY?

This is the act or service of welcoming, receiving, hosting or entertaining guests. Hospitality begins from the heart; the heart that welcomes. We must make recourse to the First Reading (2 Kings 4:8-11.14-16a) to discover the generosity the woman of Shunem gave to the Prophet Elisha. The woman of Shunem was so nice to the prophet. She always insisted that the prophet take some rest and eat in her home. As if this was not enough, she pleaded on the husband that they prepare a separate room for the prophet so that he could as well pass night whenever he came. The next time Elisha came, he found a room for himself and did not hesitate to pass the night. He thought to himself what he could do to reciprocate this gesture of hospitality to the family. He then sent his servant, Gehazi through whom it was discovered that they had no son. And Elisha gave to the woman the ‘prophet’s reward’ which was the promise of a son. There are three points I have drawn from the passage on the ingredients of hospitality.

 

1. The initiative came from the Shunemite woman. The woman was zealous and eager to feed the prophet with the meal she cooked. She constantly urged Elisha to come around. Hospitality ought to emanate from a free mind. It has to be fully from one’s free will, and not under duress. Hospitality ought not be forced. Whenever you find yourself being forced by whatever circumstance or person to bid welcome to a visitor (or a minister), then such hospitality has a poor foundation and may not have any spiritual reward. We may succeed in deceiving people that we are hospitable where we are actually being ostentatious and playing to the gallery, so as to be called nice.

2. She went an extra mile to arrange for accommodation. The woman was eager to exhibit more hospitality. She was not contended with simply offering food. She wanted to go beyond that and offer a place for the prophet to rest whenever he came around. Going an extra mile is a sure sign that hospitality is sincere. She recognized the holiness in Elisha and wanted to make this holiness saddle in her family. When hospitable families build houses, they plan for visitors’ apartment, but when selfish ones build, they only plan for the number of children they have. Have a space for the visitor, and treat him/her well. Who knows how you will be a visitor in no distant time. And remember, everyone is a visitor. We all are visitors on earth, and must treat one another as co-visitors, recognizing that I should trat the other the way I want to be treated.

3. She was not in expectant of any favour from the Prophet. The woman was simply moved out of her love for the work of God, for holiness and for the love of the prophet who does God’s work. Never did the Bible record that she was expecting a favour from the prophet. The favour she desired was just for the prophet to be comfortable in her home. She did not burden the prophet with her problems. Many times, we remember the prophets when we need family deliverance or one prayer or the other. Have you ever invited your priest over to your home just to have a lunch? You must know that every act of hospitality is rewarded. When you are hospitable, God designs his blessing for you. Be calm and wait on God.

The astounding truth is that a hospitable person shares in the word of God’s messenger when he receives and helps him. Every messenger must know also know his place in the heart of God. This message is a great confidence and assurance for messengers.

WHAT OF APPRECIATION/GRATITUDE?

The word appreciation is a noun of action; the act of estimating the quality and worth of something, with a sense of high estimation, a rise in value. It denotes an expression of favourable estimation. It has acquired a lot of meaning over time. It can mean an increase in price or value. It can mean having an understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something. It can also mean an expression of gratitude. However, from the etymology, the word simply connotes to add to price; appretiatus (pretium –price). This simply means that to appreciate is to express how a favour done to someone is held high in price. When we appreciate, we ascribe worth to the thing or person. There are some lessons we learn from Elisha.

1. Elisha did not reject her hospitality. Appreciation starts from accepting favours. When we intentionally reject an offer or favour, we reduce the importance of the person offering. Some persons hate it when the favours they give are rejected by the intended recipient. Rejecting favours can be a sign of enmity. So, we must be open to accept people and their sincere favours.

2. Elisha did not abuse his stay. When favours are shown to us, we must work hard not to abuse them by the way we lead our lives. We may scandalize the donor and at the end, the intended result is not achieved. Elisha maintained his holiness and never did he scandalize the family. Ministers today must work hard not to scandalize favours shown to them. When we receive favours, we must work hard to maintain our place for the sake of God for whom the favours were shown to us. This is a good way of showing appreciation to God and man.

3. Elisha was insistent upon appreciating the woman. The prophet showed gratitude for the hospitality of this woman. He insisted that the favour be rewarded. As ministers and as those who receive favours, never disregard gratitude when you have received one. Never forget to bless the one that favours or that have offered something to you for aid in your ministry. As a successful man today, take time and reflect the persons that have helped you in life, and if possible, go back to them and show some appreciation. Appreciation is rewarding and uplifting.

 

In conclusion, try and say thank you to that person from whom you have received a particular favour. Some persons tend to misunderstand gratitude and appreciation. Now, read on!!!

1. Saying thank you does not mean you cannot afford it. When I say thank you for what you have done for me, it does not mean I cannot provide that for myself. It only means that the Lord has given me what I can afford through another person, and I must thank the Lord and the person who was instrumental to this.

2. Saying thank you does not mean the other is greater than you. When I say thank you for what you have done for me, it does not place me beneath you, neither does it reduce my dignity. It only means that I have considered the greatness of God who has given me a gift through the other person who also has manifested his greatness before God by allowing himself to be used as a channel of upliftment.

3. Saying thank you does not make you a dependent. When I say thank you, it does not make me dependent on the human being who has shown that favour. It only means that I have acknowledged my dependence on God.

4. Saying thank you does not make you a weakling. When I say thank you, it does not make me a weakling; someone that cannot work and feed from the work of his hands. It only means that I have understood so well that no one is an island. We all need each other for mutual growth and development.

5. Saying thank you does not reduce the respect the other has for you. When I say thank you, it does not reduce my self-worth or esteem. It rather improves on it; confirming that I respect the other because I think the other respects me. Hence, I promote mutual respect among human beings.

Today, I say a very BIG THANK YOU for all of you who have been nice to me as a prophet of God. For all those who have assisted me and continue to assist me to answer God’s call and proclaim his message, may you all receive the blessing Elisha gave to the woman of Shunem. God will meet you at your points of need. Amen. I wish you a splendid week ahead. God bless you.

PETER AND PAUL, RESCUED FOR MISSION

HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF SS. PETER AND Paul

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

It is not by birth but by their mission identity that they are celebrated as twins. Today, we celebrate the two great apostles of mission, Peter and Paul. Peter was chosen to be the head of the Church, and had the mission to preach the Gospel, especially among the Jewish communities. Paul became the chosen instrument of God to bring the Good news to the whole world. In their spiritual journey with the Lord, both experienced the gratuitous compassion and forgiveness of the Lord. Peter denied the Lord and three times and when he asked for pardon was forgiven. Paul persecuted the early Christian community, and on his way to Damascus was called, converted and forgiven. They are simply ancestors in the faith; the ones who have explained and handed over the message of Christ to us.

In the First Reading (Acts 12:1-11), we experience how Peter the Apostle was rescued from disgrace and shame of his persecutors. The last sentence of the reading made it very vivid: now, I am sure that the Lord has rescued me from the hand of Herod. As Herod was making his plans to use Peter as a source of firm and popularity, God was making plans to use the situation as a source of glory and testimony upon the life of his apostle, Peter. Peter was imprisoned by Herod, most probably to kill Peter as he thought that the killing of James was pleasurable for the people, whom he desires to get their allegiance. It is ungodly to play with the life of any human being on account of a selfish aggrandisement or ambition. Many lives have being destroyed because of the pride of place we allude to our personalities, positions of power or level of learning. We prefer to achieve what we desire by whatever means available. We must guide against such temptations that make us prefer our desires over human life and existence. As Herod imprisoned Peter, the Christians were in deep prayers for the life of Peter, and the Lord had to intervene. Our Christian communities must learn to join anyone that suffers in his/her suffering. We must learn to show empathy and sympathy for our brethren we share the faith with. How many of us have offered some prayers for the sake of persecuted Christians all over the world? The prayer of the community is efficacious. We have seen how the angel of the Lord rescued Peter, and Peter grew more in the consciousness of a God who loves and recues. It made him more zealous for the Gospel. When we show solidarity and compassion, we help to make the faith grow.

In the Second Reading (2 Tim. 4:6-8), we see how fulfilled the Apostle Paul was. He has fought a good fight of faith. He has preached to all people. He has converted many. He has also been shown great compassion by the Lord. According to Him: the lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the word fully...I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. When we are with the Lord, we are sure of redemption. Paul also experienced the God that rescues his people. The Lord rescued Paul and was with him throughout his mission to the Gentiles. But what was Paul preaching to the Gentiles? One can summarize the preaching of Paul with the answer of Peter in the Gospel (Matt.16:13-19): you are the Christ the son of the living God. The apostle preached Christ who Himself was the kingdom of God made man. He preached the reign of this kingdom both on earth and in heaven. That was why he was sure that he having fought to establish this kingdom on earth has been given the ticket for the heavenly one.

Thus, from the Readings, we discover how God rescues and guides those He has called to himself; those who work for him. That is why the Psalmist unequivocally stated: from all my terrors, the Lord rescues me (Psalm 34:5b). May the Lord continue to give us the strength to tap from the riches of his redemption, love and compassion as we pass through the terrifying situations we have found ourselves in life. Amen. May my Patron Saints, Peter and Paul pray for us. Amen. Happy Feast Day.

FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE (FEAR)

HOMILY FOR THE 12^TH SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR, A

 

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

Do not be afraid, you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace, you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood (Isaiah 54:4).

There was a criminal who had committed a crime. He was sent to the king for his punishment. The king told him he had a choice of two punishments. He should choose either to be hung by a rope or take what is behind the big, dark, scary, iron door. The criminal quickly decided on the rope. As the noose was being slipped on him, he turned to the king and asked: by the way, out of curiosity, what is behind that door? The king laughed and said: you know, it is funny, I offer everyone the same choice, and nearly everyone picks the rope. So, said the criminal: tell me, what is behind the door? I mean, obviously, I won’t tell anyone, he said, pointing to the noose around his neck. The king paused then answered: freedom, but it seems most people are so afraid of the unknown that they immediately take the rope. Fear strangulates. Out of fear, we fail to explore challenges. Out of fear, we choose what we are familiar with. Out of fear, we even miss opportunities of liberty, of progress, and of prosperity. No one wants to take risk again. We prefer an already-made and familiar venture. The Christian life, we must say is filled with ups and downs. It is a life that has new risk as the days go by. Persecutions abound; trials are present, but the man who follows the instructions of Jesus will always find peace and will grow out of the fears of the present. Conquer your fears, and by so doing you win.

Three times in the Gospel (Matt. 10:26-33) passage, Jesus bids us not to be afraid. He encourages us not to despair when we face persecutions as Christians. The first is in verse 26. The second is in verse 28, and the third is in verse 31.

In the first commandment not to fear, we are told to fear no man, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed. Men referred to here are those who persecute you. This simply means that the truth will triumph in the final analysis. There are some persecutors who come to us in disguise, portraying themselves as healers where they are actually killers. For those that way, time will come when their true character will be made known by God. On that day, the testimony of the Christian will be vindicated, and the persecution will be seen to have been but light and momentary troubles in comparison to eternal glory that will be ours (cf. 2 Cor 4:17). So, any Christian who fears men and what they are likely to say or do because of their belief are engaging on an unholy fear. That fear in itself is sinful. We are not to fear the damage of our character and reputation by men. Only god knows the deepest intents of our hearts. God is going to restore our reputation. Thus, do not harbour such an unholy fear.

Another side of this fear is when the Christian becomes afraid to speak with boldness the Christian message. What I say to you in the dark, say it in the light. We have the duty to speak out what Jesus has told us to say, and not to keep quiet for fear. The Christian witness must know no fear because he/she is aware that the judgments of eternity will correct the judgment of time. We must listen with reverence and speak with courage the message we have heard from Christ. Again, this is an unholy fear; a fear that is in itself sinful.

The second commandment not to fear is this: do not fear men who can only kill the body. Men may have power to kill but their power is so limited. In that purported power is powerlessness. No man has the power to touch our souls; none has the power to send us out of heaven; none has the power to take away eternal life from us; none has the power still to convince God not to love us. Who can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35)? Fearing men can lead to a loss of peace, a loss of the sense of commitment, and a loss of purpose. This is an unholy fear, and it is in itself sinful. When we fear, we tend to lose the strength and power God has given to us to overcome. We demonstrate faithlessness. The remedy to keep us from this unholy fear is God. God is to be feared. God can destroy us, both body and soul. The destruction of the soul comes from God not from man; it is God’s power alone. This is a holy fear. However, our fear is not that God will punish us, but that we may grieve his love.  

The third commandment not to fear is based on the certainty of the detailed love of God. If God cares for sparrows, surely, he will care for men. Therefore, there is no need to fear. Cast all your anxieties before him, for he cares for you (1 Pet 5:7). We should move with the courage that we are surrounded always by the love of God. Our times are forever in God’s hands. He will never abandon us. If this is so, of whom shall we be afraid? No one.

The renowned motivational writer, Zig Ziglar is popularly known to have said: fear has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run and Face Everything And Rise. From my estimation, forgetting everything and running is an unholy type of fear. Christ warns us against such, which includes being afraid of any person, any situation and anything, and being fearful in the face of that death which can only take away our bodies. We are advised to avoid such fears because they make us stunted in our pursuit of the love of God. When defined in terms of its brain connection, fear is a chain reaction in the brain that starts with a stressful stimulus and ends with the release of chemicals that cause a racing heart, fast breathing and energized muscles. Fear can cause heart attacks and breathing problems. You will do yourself a great good and take care of the person God desires you to be by not being afraid.

When defined in terms of psycho-somatic influence, fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger. It is induced by perceived danger or threat which causes a change in metabolic and organ functions and ultimately a change in behaviour, such as fleeing, hiding, or freezing from perceived traumatic events. With fear, one ceases to be courageous, becomes timid, and grows unable to proclaim Jesus as the Lord. The Lord enjoins those with fearful hearts in Isaiah 35:4: be strong and do not fear for your God will come; he will come with vengeance, with divine retribution he will come to save you. And in Joshua 1:9, these words resound: have I not commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. When you are attacked for the sake of righteousness, you should learn to repeat the words of Jeremiah in the First Reading (Jer. 20:10-13): but the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore, my persecutors will stumble, they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. In Psalm 23: 4, even though I walk in the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. In Psalm 34:4, I sought the Lord and he delivered me from all my fears. In Psalm 27:1 the lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The lord is the stronghold of my life, before whom shall I be afraid? In Ps.118:6, the Lord is with me, I will not be afraid; what else can mere mortals do to me? No one can convict us for Jesus has ransomed us. The Second Reading (Rom. 5:12-15) makes it vivid that the grace and the free gift we have as God’s children is given through the one man, Jesus the Christ.

Embracing Jesus is an assured tactic of removing the unholy fears from us. It is when we have succeeded in removing the unholy fears from our existence and allowing the holy fears to guide us that we can be assured happiness. In Psalm 115:11, those who fear the Lord are admonished to put their trust in Him. There is no need trusting in the person you fail to fear. The fear we have for God is the lovely respect that we give him and to allow his will be done in our lives.  Remember, blessed are those who fear the Lord (Ps. 112:1). With these words, I wish you a blessed week ahead. God bless you.