There is a moment in almost every child’s life when shadows seem frightening. A coat on a chair becomes a monster; a dark hallway feels endless. Then someone turns on the light, and nothing has changed except what can now be seen. Fear works like that.

Today’s readings invite us to move from fear into trust. Jeremiah, one of Scripture’s bravest prophets, speaks with striking honesty: “I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around!’” (Jer 20:10). He faces opposition, loneliness, and rejection. Yet he arrives at a deeper conviction: “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior” (Jer 20:11). Fear is real, but it does not have the final word.

In the Gospel, Jesus repeats three times: “Do not be afraid.” Not because disciples will avoid suffering, but because they will never face it alone.

Then Jesus gives one of Scripture’s most tender images: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? … even the hairs of your head are all counted” (Mt 10:29–30). God’s care is not distant; it is personal.

Saint Paul explains why we can trust. Through Adam came sin and death, but through Christ came grace in abundance (Rom 5:15). Fear may linger, but grace is greater and has the final word.

A grandmother once told her grandson before school: “Remember, when you walk into the room, Jesus walks in with you.” Years later he admitted he had been terrified that day, but those words stayed with him. He still repeats them before difficult meetings, hospital visits, and hard conversations. That is Christian courage. Not pretending to be strong. Not denying fear. But remembering who walks with us.

Jesus’ message today is to stop counting reasons to be afraid and start counting the ways God has already been faithful.

Your Priest,

Fr. Charles Enyinnia