While Advent is a time to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child, as well as to prepare for the second coming of Jesus, it is not a time to fear such preparations.Christ’s love is easy and without burden. In today’s Gospel, a man is carried on a stretcher to Jesus. Before he and his cohorts even ask for help, Jesus tells them, “As for you, your sins are forgiven” (Lk 5:20). Their coming unannounced to Jesus proves their faith and demonstrates that they are prepared. Hence, they experience God’s mercy. Jesus comes for you, for me, for all of us! Isaiah reminds us today,“ Be strong, do not fear” (35:4). Why should anyone fear the beautiful oasis that we are promised? “The desert and the parched land will exult” (v. 1); they will “rejoice with joyful song” (v. 2). We are being encouraged, for our God comes to save us.

—James P. Magee ’71 CLAS

Why is fear a common emotion when God’s people have been promised so much?