We see two different uses of the word fear in this week's Gospel. The woman, after her prophetic gesture, healing, and being called out by Jesus, approaches him with "fear and trembling". Jesus says to her, "Your faith has made you well; go in peace." But when Jairus is beginning to despair at the news that his daughter has died, Jesus says, "Do not fear, only believe."
What does it mean to approach Jesus with "fear and trembling"? The woman has felt within herself the healing power of God. She knows that he knows that someone has touched him with faith. Her fear and trembling is a sign, I think, of her faith. It's a sign of her understanding of the power and love of God. It is more awe than fear.
Jairus, on the other hand, is despairing. His fear is a sign of a
lack of faith. His fear is despair. It seems that all is lost. Has he forgotten about Jesus' healing power?
There are times in our lives when we experience both of these types of fear: the fear of faith and the fear of despair.
Sometimes, God knocks us off our feet with an awareness of just how much he loves us. People sometimes describe a sure knowledge in their
hearts that God has called them to something. This often leads to a sort of reverential awe and fear at the sheer unshakeability of God's call. To this, God says, "Your faith has made you well; go in peace."
Sometimes, we are completely unaware of God's love and power in our lives. We lose touch with what God is calling us to, leading to despair and hopelessness. To this, God says, "Do not fear, only believe."
What have been your own experiences of the faith-fear and the despair-fear?
Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ
