WORDS FROM FATHER YOHANES: Why Jesus Repeats “Do Not Be Afraid”

By Father Yohanes Akoit

The phrase “do not be afraid” is repeated four times in the Gospel reading for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 10:26–33). This repetition reminds us of two important things: first, the importance of the message, and second, the importance of the messenger.

Speaking about the message, we can compare it to how parents communicate something important to their children. Parents repeat the main message again and again. First, they approach the child. Later, they check on it by asking about it. Sometimes they remind them over the phone or when they meet again. For example, when examinations are near, parents will remind their children repeatedly to study well.

The idea is clear: repetition shows the importance of the subject. It ensures that the message is delivered and that things are going well according to the instruction. But repetition happens not only because the message is important, but also because of the limitations of the messenger. The messenger may fail to put the message into action. The messenger may be forgetful, uninterested, unaware of the importance of the message, or may have other shortcomings.

Based on this reality, we can understand why Jesus repeats the words “do not be afraid” four times. He speaks this way because He knows how deeply fear affects our wounded humanity. This happened because our existence is dependent: we came into being not by ourselves but through the power of God, and since our life is not in our control, we can lose it at any moment and even die unexpectedly. We cannot determine the future, and although we long for relationship, we often experience isolation and loneliness. We are free, yet we bind ourselves with commitments and fear losing that freedom.

Due to this human woundedness, Jesus repeatedly encourages the disciples not to be afraid. He assures them that He has power over heaven and earth, and He promises to remain with them. He encourages them to believe that nothing will ultimately harm them. His presence becomes their strength and their protection. With this confidence, He empowers them to fulfill their mission. Therefore, He sends them forth to proclaim the glory of God to the whole world.

The same message is addressed to us. We share the same human woundedness. At any time, we can face sickness, accidents, loss of friends, alienation, unemployment, and many other trials. The Gospel encourages us to have faith in God. Let our faith become the light of our life. The more we allow our life to be guided by faith, the more it will lead us according to God’s will. For sure, there will be crosses, shortcomings, and limitations, but God has already promised to help us overcome them.

Let us surrender to God all our worries, fragility, and mortality. We know we cannot perfect ourselves or heal our wounded humanity by our own strength. The only way to overcome and to find true life is to walk with Jesus. When we walk with Him, our fears lose their power. His presence becomes our strength in moments of weakness. And in every trial, He whispers again to our hearts, “Do not be afraid.”

Father Yohanes Akoit is pastor of St. Julian and St. Anthony Catholic churches in Kentucky.