Fear Is Not the Final Word

A Curious Pilgrim Reflection for Sunday, May 31, 2026

Daily Office Readings: Psalm 66, Ezekiel 3:16-27, Ephesians 2:1-10, Matthew 10:24-33, 40-42

The Bible is a collection of books written over hundreds of years by people who lived in different lands, spoke different languages, and experienced very different cultures. Yet beneath all those differences runs a common thread: the human experience.

The writers of Scripture knew joy and sorrow, faith and doubt, success and failure. They lived under governments, economic systems, and religious structures that often shaped—and sometimes distorted—their lives. They asked the same questions we ask today.

Why do people suffer?

Why do some prosper while others struggle?

Why do the innocent suffer and the wicked seem to flourish?

Where is God when life hurts?

These questions are not unique to our generation. They echo throughout Scripture because they are part of what it means to be human.

The readings for today remind us that suffering is universal. Some experience poverty, others abundance. Some die young, others live long lives. Some are honored, while others are rejected. The human story has always contained both beauty and brokenness.

In Psalm 66, the psalmist speaks honestly about hardship:

“For you, O God, have proved us; you have tried us just as silver is tried.”

Life is not portrayed as easy. Faith is not presented as an escape from suffering. Yet the psalm ends not with despair but with gratitude:

“Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, nor withheld his love from me.”

The suffering was real, but so was God’s presence.

Ezekiel receives a difficult calling. God sends him to speak truth to people who may not listen. His task is not to guarantee success but to remain faithful.

Paul tells the Ephesians that God is “rich in mercy.” Salvation itself is a gift of grace. Even our capacity to trust God arises from God’s loving initiative. We are not saved by our achievements but by divine generosity.

Then Jesus speaks words that challenge every generation:

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”

Fear has always been one of humanity’s greatest enemies.

Fear controls nations.

Fear fuels prejudice.

Fear manipulates religion.

Fear drives greed.

Fear causes us to hide who we are and prevents us from becoming who God created us to be.

Yet Jesus repeatedly tells his followers, “Do not be afraid.”

That does not mean danger disappears. It does not mean suffering ends. It means fear does not get the final word.

The Gospel invites us to live differently.

To love when hatred seems easier.

To forgive when bitterness feels justified.

To speak truth when silence appears safer.

To trust God when circumstances suggest otherwise.

The promise of Scripture is not that we will become wealthy, popular, successful, or immune from pain. The promise is that God will be with us through it all.

As each day unfolds hour by hour, we are invited to take the next step.

Not with certainty about the future.

Not with guarantees of comfort.

But with trust.

If we choose to walk the way of Jesus, we may never become the richest, most powerful, or most admired people in the world. Yet we can experience something far greater:

Love.

Joy.

Peace.

Patience.

Kindness.

Goodness.

Faithfulness.

Gentleness.

Self-control.

These are the fruits of a life rooted in God.

Fear may be present.

Suffering may be real.

But neither fear nor suffering has the final word.

Love does.

And that is the invitation of today’s readings.