Driving down Houston freeways, it is not rare to come upon a driver speeding way too fast and cutting in and out of traffic. Such driving puts the lives of many people on the highway in danger and the Houston metro area is known for its high rate of accidents and highway fatalities. By the grace of God, the instances I have witnessed did not result in major collisions and fatalities. Is such risky driving fearless? No, more like careless and reckless.  
 
While recklessness might appear to be similar to fearlessness, they are not the same; there is major difference. Sacred Scripture helps us make the distinction between the two.
 
The words of the Lord’s Servant in the book of the prophet Isaiah resonate clearly with fearless resolve reliant upon God’s fidelity and strength: “The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50: 7).
 
"Fear no one....So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." The words of Jesus in today’s reading from the Gospel according to Matthew speak another message: freedom from fear. He speaks of a freedom from fear which frees us to respond heroically and selflessly. 
 
Contrary to Gospel-rooted fearlessness, recklessness often arises out of selfishness. It manifests a disregard for others as well as insecurity in the mind of the reckless one.
 
True fearlessness and not being afraid are the result of love and justice pushing us beyond the limits that keep us from truly attaining the heights that faith in God beckons us to reach.
 
In his famous sermon, Our God is Able, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recounts the story of how late one night he received a death threat over the phone and felt that all his fears came down upon him. The great preacher was tempted to give up quietly the struggle against racial injustice and succumb to the malicious and violent intentions of those who sought to end his life and mission.
 
With his head in his hands he prayed that late evening at his kitchen table expressing how he was both afraid for his life and concerned for the people who looked to him for leadership. Under the weight of his fears and the violence that he faced, he cried out to God, “I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I’ve come to the point where I can’t face it alone.” At that moment, he recounts that an inner voice reassured him with the words, “Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth. God will be at your side forever.”
 
Rev. King states, “The outer situation remained the same, but God had given me inner calm.” King’s home was bombed three nights later, but he kept on, because, he said, “God had given me a new strength and trust.”
 
Even though his fears might have seemed to be a personal matter, it is obvious that the weight was being shared by others. He knew that many others were with him. The reason to continue striving against fear had to do with a cause greater than himself and directly impacted the well-being of others who needed inspiration. Fear diminishes in the measure that our trust in Christ and concern for the well-being of others increases.
 
Women and men who are fearless are often the most surprised at their own achievements and what they inspire others to believe and accomplish. One reason is that they understand it is not all about them; others are a part as well. Also, truly fearless persons recognize that Christ is with them and to serve him and others makes the effort a meaningful one.
 
It is not enough to try and look beyond to when the fears will subside; we must trust in the Lord’s promises as our sustenance in the midst of difficulties, in the here and now as well as the reward when tribulation passes. 
 
The fearlessness of which Jesus speaks is the resolve of faith, the fruit of being in relationship with him and being convinced of his love for us. Implicit in the words of Jesus, “Fear no one,” is the command to love everyone, the challenge to recognize the Lord’s presence in all moments and in all people.
 
That requires much faith and maturity, but most importantly it demands great love. If you feel lacking, Jesus is always ready to give.