Are you afraid?
Are you frightened when you hear of murder or a rare disease that has made its appearance again and killed 50 people this week? Are you fearful for your children, that they will will make unwise decisions and not follow God's Will? Are you scared when you hear of economic failure, nuclear weapons, and the apocalypse? Terrified at the thought of loosing your job? Panicked at the thought of failure? Afraid to love? Of death?
That is Fear. It's voice is like a whisper, it's venom dark and poisonous like a snake. It roots itself within the heart, spreading throughout the body like a disease.
It's a mistake to think that Catholics should never feel fear. The days before Christ's death were sorrowful and distressing to Him. He was afraid. He experienced a fear that few of us will ever feel. In spite of the fear that Christ felt, He didn't let fear posses Him. He prayed for God's peace and followed His will even through fear.
The phrase “do not be afraid” is written in the Bible 365 times. That's a daily reminder from God to live every day being fearless. To trust in Him. To follow Him even when you don't know if you are doing it right but just doing the best you can.
One way to confront your fears is to expose them to the light. Fear thrives on darkness and shadow. Expose it and it will shrivel. Write down your fears on a piece of paper. Confront each fear and deal with each one at a time. Maybe you fear of failing an exam. The way to confront that fear would be to study and prepare. Some fears will be easy to confront and others will take time. Maybe talk to a trusted friend about a certain fear and pray about it. A month or two later, when you go back to look at your fears, you will see that they frighten you less.
As Catholics, we are called to be beacons of light for the world. How will we inspire others to search out the faith if we remain hidden in fear? Fear does not draw people toward us. It shuts them out.
Fearlessness shines and snaps like a fire. It is catching.
“Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you.” Isaiah 41:10
We are called to be Fearless. So live this day doing that!