December 12, 2024
The last thing parents want is their children to be afraid of them. Upon returning from work or from time away, they look forward to their children running up and throwing themselves into their loving arms, not to run away cowering in fear. The same goes for medical patients; the last thing doctors want is their patients to be afraid of them. Upon entering an exam room, physicians look forward to their warm handshake, not seeing them trembling in fear.
This is exactly what happened to our first parents. They were created with God’s life in their souls, otherwise known as sanctifying grace and conversed freely and lovingly with their Father in the garden. After disobeying God, they hid from Him in fear. “After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the Lord asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:9-10) That’s not all. They immediately started blaming each other. Isn’t it easy to quickly blame others and point out their faults while minimizing and ignoring ours? What a tragedy.
One of the major biblical themes from Genesis to Revelation is, “Be not afraid.” After the archangel Gabriel said to the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you,” Mary was afraid. He reassured her saying, “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:28-30)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel appeared to shepherds who were nearby. “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, do not be afraid; for behold I bring good news of great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Genesis 1:9-11)
Physicians know the one thing their patients fear is hearing the dreaded news of having a terminal illness and death. This is why it is paramount that doctors pray for their patients and treat them as if they were treating Jesus Christ Himself. In fact, that is what they are called to do. For Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
When one grows in grace and holiness, their motivation for avoiding sin becomes love and not fear of punishment. They arrive at a certain point in life and say to themselves, ‘I do not want to sin anymore, I have hurt God enough with my sins. I do not want to hurt Him anymore.’ This is the stage in which the fruits of the Holy Spirit come alive, including peace and joy.
This Advent and Christmas season, please be assured of my prayers for all of the staff, and members of the Catholic Medical Association as we celebrate this most holy time of the year. Who can possibly be afraid of a little infant? This is how the Son of God came to us. Jesus did not come to condemn but to forgive and give His life as a ransom for many. (John 3:17; Mathew 20:28) Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas and remember, be not afraid!
