The words “do not be afraid” are repeated often in the scriptures. Jesus encourages his
disciples as they go out to minister, often in challenging circumstances. He wants them to expect the difficulties they will encounter and not to be discouraged by them. We live in very different circumstances, but they also contain trials and tribulations. The words of Jesus are for us, too: “Do not be afraid.”
When we read the news, it can be difficult to know what is true. There is so much political posturing. We know that power and profit are the motives that drive much of what is going on around us, including the endemic levels of corruption in our country. It can be impossible to
know what to believe, whether about South Africa supplying Russia with arms or what is happening with Eskom. There is so much misinformation.
Jesus gives hope in his words that, in the end, we will be vindicated when we speak the truth about him. He wants us to proclaim that he is God's son from the rooftops, not necessarily with words, but by our lives.
Reflections by Annemarie Paulin-Campbell
