Fear Not 220

Beloved brethren, from this ancient pulpit I speak to you the words of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 51 verse 7: Fear not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. In the historical context of the Babylonian exile the people of Israel were surrounded by enemies who reproached them for their faith in the one true God. The prophet encourages them to remember their heritage from Abraham and to trust in God's salvation which shall go forth as light to the nations. The Early Church Fathers like St John Chrysostom in his commentaries draw upon this to exhort Christians during times of persecution not to fear the words of pagans or heretics who revile the cross. St Augustine in his sermons reminds the faithful that human reproaches are temporary while divine approval is eternal and shall be revealed at the last day. From the Catena Aurea we see parallels in the Gospels where Christ says fear not those who kill the body but rather Him who can cast both body and soul into hell. Thus we are called to stand firm in faith as did the holy martyrs under Nero and Diocletian who endured scorn with joy knowing their reward in heaven. St Jerome comments that the reproach of men fades like smoke but the righteousness of God endures forever. St Basil teaches courage in facing verbal assaults upon the deposit of faith delivered once to the saints. As St Cyprian writes in his letters the contempt of the world becomes the glory of the confessors. St Athanasius against the Arians shows how orthodoxy itself was reproached yet triumphed by patience. The suffering servant of Isaiah fifty three prefigures our Lord who bore reproach for our sake. Therefore fear not beloved but lift up your eyes to the hills whence cometh our help.