Throughout the Bible, God frequently encourages individuals not to be afraid. Although in their context the words may have been spoken to individuals or to a specific group, such as the disciples in the boat in the Gospel passage we read today, these words of encouragement are meant for all of us, both individually and as a Church. Spiritually it is important to notice that the encouragement not to be afraid is accompanied by a reason or an immediate consequence. "Do not be afraid, I have called you by your name and you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1).

The angel told Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary home as his wife. Then he added a reason: "because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit" (Mt 1:20). God does not call upon us not to be afraid in an abstract way, but in a way that is supported by our experience if we have the wisdom and the reflective patience to look at our lives and see from experience why we should not be afraid. Sometimes the reason is spelled out in detail; sometime it is very simple as in today's Gospel: "It is I, do not be afraid".