I may not be Christian, Jewish or Islamic, but I know a good tradition when I see it.
In spite of that grim reality or more likely because of it, the Gospel’s imperative to “fear not” is good and welcome news. The 40 days of Lent that begin Ash Wednesday are an annual spiritual journey to discover that enduring gift. The symbolism of ashes at the start and new life at its end lead the faithful person through death to life, and from fear to certain hope.
Each faith has such a pilgrimage. For Jews, the Passover experience from slavery to freedom is the quintessential story of God’s rescue of a frightened people. The Hajj for Islam echoes the same liberating good news.
The good news of the Christian message is the confident assurance that a benevolent God is in control of events and ultimately will not allow evil to triumph.
That’s the essence of all religious faith. Hurtful, tragic things clearly happen, but God — and his faithful — prevail. Judaism and Islam have their own means of sending the same message. Fear not.
I don’t know if I can actually give up fear or not. I cling to it like a safety blanket. But I think I might try.