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Fear Weaves a Tangled Web

Parker Palmer says in his book Let Your Life Speak that we “don’t need to become the fear we carry.” Too bad Herod didn’t have Parker Palmer’s book. It can be tricky to pull off, no matter what Nike says (“No Fear” ). To pursue the fearless life seems fraught with disappointment. Fear is an emotion we share with many creatures. It’s part of our emotional experience. The challenge is to not become fearful while carrying the fear.

When it’s the fear that gives energy to my words and actions, I’ll expend great energy and emotion and the life will be drained right out of me. The outcomes will be confusing, misunderstood and unfulfilling. Relationships will be strained and the drive to control with be elevated.

It seems that’s what had Herod by the throat: fear of losing power, fear of losing control. He became his fear and was woven into a tangled web of deceit (“bring me word so I may go and pay him homage.” Mt. 2:8), disappointment (“being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.” Mt. 2:12), and anger that lead to unimaginable violence (“…Herod was infuriated and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two year sold or under.” Mt. 2:16).

Throughout the birth narrative the angelic presence speaks “Fear not…do not be afraid.” It’s a challenge for us along the way. Sometimes we can so easily melt into a puddle of fear. In the Gospels Jesus names the demons and the demon is silenced, rendered powerless. Maybe if we are able to name the fear, to look it in the eye and call it by name, maybe then its hold on us will weaken and fall away.

To a world where interactions so often are motivated by the dangerous duo of fear and control, Advent says, “Don’t be afraid. There is a more excellent way. God is with us. We are not alone.” As disciples of Jesus Christ, we’re called to be transformed by this God who is love. Then we, too, bear this hopeful word to the world. We’re called to be the love we carry, not the fear.