On Life 73 – Overcome It – April 19, 2015

   It is said, “Fear does not prevent death; it prevents life.” Indeed, whoever is entrapped by fear cannot live or work. As we celebrate Resurrection, we shall tackle, “fear”. After Christ’s crucifixion and death, His disciples started to fear the Jews until Resurrection uprooted all fear from their hearts. We read, “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Only then, their fear vanished and they started facing all sorts of threats. Thus, a fearless person cannot be defeated: for true defeat comes from within. The stronger man is, the more the success he can achieve, despite pains and hardships.

   Man’s steadfast faith enables him to combat fear. Indeed, the disciples’ fear could have destroyed their faith. Yet, Resurrection exchanged this fear with security, which enabled them to live and work fearlessly and despite all hardships.

   Man needs to be liberated from fear and worry to live and work. Some people dread failure, which is the greatest mistake. Indeed, fear of failure makes you introvert and hesitant to take any chance to progress and succeed. Thus, you deviate from your goals and fail.

   Others dread people or the future. I would advise them to raise their eyes to heaven and ask themselves, “Why fear?” The cloud which hides the sun will vanish soon or later. If a person treats you unjustly, trust in the Almighty who runs the universe. Without His permission, nobody can do anything. There is an impressive phrase which reads, “Do not exaggerate your fear of something: for fear itself can hurt you more than what scares you.”

   Thus, overcome fear. Do not leave your mind to its suspicion lest you waste your life without accomplishing your mission. Overcome fear: for this is the true beginning of being impressive and making others follow you. Overcome fear with a heart that realizes that life is full of things are deeper than being entrapped by endless worry, a vicious circle that ends with destroying your life.

   Overcome fear, trusting that God takes care of you and grants you life which you fill with love and peace.

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center