As we all watched the opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympics in Rio, the usual excitement and anticipation pervaded. But along with those high feelings was an underlying sense of caution and fear because of all the terrorist attacks in recent weeks. The increased security around the games give testimony to that fact. 
    Fear is something that is almost inbred in life because of all the uncertainty we live with from day to day. We can be fearful of  large disasters or small personal losses. And that sense of fear is nothing new to our world. Today’s gospel reading begins with the words: Do not be afraid any longer little flock. And if we look into the history of the chosen people of old, we know that they spent much of that history in fear of enemies and in fear of being annihilated. They knew war and oppression, slavery and want. 
    But Jesus comes along, as the Savior, and  brings with him a message that replaces fear with hope. How often do we hear that phrase: BE not afraid? We have a popular hymn by that titles; we hear it spoken to Mary at the annunciation; to the shepherds at Christ’s birth; to the apostles on the night before Jesus dies; and to those who saw Jesus after the resurrection.
    The message that Jesus brings is one of reassuring love. Trust in God the Father, he says, and He will watch over you and provide for you what is needed for the gift of life, now and in the kingdom of heaven.
    In the midst of the uncertainties of life, God walks with us as He did with the people of old. God leads and guides us; and encourages us not to be afraid, to know that He’s got our back, and that even in the valley of darkness, we have no fear for His rod and staff are there to bring us comfort and hope and the promise of good things to come!