What's Your Phobia
Peter stood there in total astonishment. That's what Luke tells us. Peter and James and John. Jesus had told them what to do and they were given results. More than they could have imagined. Peter knew something holy was going on so he falls down in humble confession of his own sinfulness.

Not so unusual or surprising. Until Jesus opens his mouth and speaks.

Get up, Simon. This isn't something to be afraid of. This isn't something any more holy than most of life. Simon, don't be afraid. This is the beginning for soon you will be just as successful fishing for people.

Don't be afraid. One of those phrases that show up all over the place from angels in Nazareth to person after person coming face to face with the presence or call of God. Don't be afraid.

The word for afraid is the Greek word where we get the word phobia. Now I know that using our modern word to explain an old word is at best suspect and at worst being quite unfair to the original. It is also an interesting word game that can perhaps bring the common or familiar into a new understanding. Here's the dictionary definition of phobia:

1. A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid it, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not dangerous.
2. A strong fear, dislike, or aversion.

--"phobia." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 03 Feb. 2007.

Maybe Peter didn't really have any phobias, but most of us do. Especially when it comes to doing what God wants us to do. Or when we have to stand up for something we believe in. Or leaving behind the old thoughts and ways to do something that no one has ever done before. I guess that would be a real fear- a phobia, although not necessarily an irrational one.

Before I finished writing this piece I took a break and watched the wonderful foreign film nominee, Water. I will review that later in the week. But the next to last line in the movie is...

Don't be afraid.

Maybe we all need that reminder when moving toward greater trust in powers or people or ideas greater than ourselves. Peter faced it. That day on the beach was the first of a number of times. He wrestled with it for a few more years. But somehow he knew that this Jesus was able to do more than tell him not to be afraid. He gave him the strength to go beyond his fears and learn a new way.