Warning: Do Not be Afraid.

There seems like a constant line up of threats to humanity. Watching the news and media there is the temptation to stay indoors and hide under the bed. However, even though we are presented with pending Armageddon on a daily basis. We have been prepared for this for a long time.

Let’s face it, there is a lot of conflict in the world today. There’s the threat of war, there’s actual war. There are many conflicts globally that always seem to place humanity on the brink of extinction. Also, there is climate change and environmental issues. Then there are political issues with different sides engaged in what appears to be a constant cycle of attack-defense-attack. All of this makes it very difficult to have an optimistic view of the future. However, doesn’t all this talk of fear and catastrophe ring a bell? Haven’t we heard this somewhere before?

For generations, there has been the threat of impending doom. There was World War 1 and 2, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The (Original) Cold War and many terrorist acts and global conflicts since. There were also environmental threats such as acid rain and the ozone layer. This was also reflected in culture. In the 1980’s there was the song ‘Land of Confusion’ by a group called ‘Genesis about the confusing global situation. There was also the quirkier song by R.E.M ‘It’s the end of the world as we know it (And I Feel Fine)’ which is basically a list of culturally notable trigger points. So, the threat of Global calamity is nothing new.

During the past events mentioned, people were afraid and scared. But, even then, it was all very familiar. We have been prepared for this already. Here is your preparation: Luke Chapter 21. This is a valuable guide to living in apparent hostile circumstances. Let’s start with Luke Chapter 21 Verse 9‘When you hear of wars

and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end’

What is being said here is that wars will happen, but it doesn’t mean its doomsday. There is more in Luke 21 and it’s not all about wars, there is even a consideration with a possible environmental warning: Luke Chapter 21 Verse 25

‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves’

That sounds like an environmental disaster of some sort, and the nations being confused and not being able to deal with it no matter what they do. These disasters are presented as being so intense that, according to Luke Chapter 21 verse 26:

‘People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world’

This is a very important point, the people may die from fear, from anticipation of disasters. It is not the event or the calamity itself that causes dread, but the anticipation. As noted, before, this is all very familiar. Viewers read the papers and watch the news and the internet with triggering social media posts, and this creates worry, doubt and division. But it’s not Armageddon, it’s potential Armageddon. It’s like the old phrase, “it’s the waiting that hurts’

Common internet advise warns viewers of feeling a sudden emotional response to posts or suddenly having an opinion on events that were hitherto not on their social or political radar, and this is the modern version of what Jesus was talking about in Luke. However, Jesus offers us the following.
In Verse 9 Jesus states that the calamities

‘must happen first’

So, this can be interpreted as ‘horrible things will happen’, but it won’t be the end. We are also told

‘do not be terrified’

This is Jesus instructing us to not be afraid when we hear of these events. Yes, they are scary and yes people will react and be frightened. But they are bound to happen, we shouldn’t be afraid.

Perhaps in a more contemporary context this passage in Luke tells us that we can be wary, and we will note these catastrophes. But we shouldn’t hide in fear awaiting the inevitable and we shouldn’t allow fear to encroach on our Catholic lifestyle and values. This is because potential doomsday scenarios can cause a lot of division between people.

Jesus may be telling us to continue treating others as ourselves and keep evangelizing and living our lives in faith, hope and charity regardless of what we perceive in global events.