Faith Can Overcome Fear - Proper 12

 The readings about faith overcoming fear should be a great comfort to us in this time of constant reports of sickness, death and lockdowns. As Christians we have a long history of hope and faith in the face of fear:

• David overcame his fear of death by protecting his sheep from lions and bears
• Jesus overcame His fear of death by surrendering His will to the Fathers will
• Paul overcame his fear by taking the long view of the joy of  faith and eternal spiritual life
• Readings challenge us to go deeper in our faith relationship  with Jesus and take this longer view

1. Fear often rules our lives

He Knows My Name (Fathers Day)

(See on John Gishler Youtube Channel.4K9VWQ? June 21)

Fathers Day is a celebration and thanksgiving for Fathers – including both our earthly and heavenly fathers. In our post-Christendom time many men are confused about their identity. We are seeing the breakdown of the family as individualism, liberalism and feminism erode traditional Biblical family values. Like many people my own father was emotionally absent and critical. My life changed when I discovered that God was my Father and really heard Jesus’ answer to Philip – “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14.9) The song “He Knows My Name” by Tommy Walker always brings me to tears of healing. It reminds us we are valued, listened to and will never be abandoned by the powerful God who loves us.

1. Fathers give us a sense of value (Knows by name)