Be Not Afraid!

Yesterday was the Feast Day of St. John Paul II.  JPII is a favorite of mine, as I am an alum of Saint John Paul II High School (it was still Pope John Paul II High School when I graduated!).  One of my favorite JPII sayings is “Be not afraid!”  Perhaps I like it so much because there are so many ways it can be applied to life.

There is so much that stresses us out and causes us worry in life—we all have something that causes this.

Perhaps that stress is problems at home, work, or at school.  Maybe it’s a particular struggle we are facing—relationships, financial, illness, injury, or a certain sin that is causing angst.  I know right now it’s Midterm Exam season at school, and many students (like yours truly) are stressed about that.

Whatever it is, we have to remind ourselves not to be afraid, and that the worries of today will someday be wiped away.  In Romans 8:18, we hear, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.”  This, too, shall pass.

Pope John Paul II
& Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio
(Now Pope Francis)

God NEVER asks for the impossible—something hard to remember.  There is no coincidence that Pope Francis even echoed John Paul II’s statement by saying, “Be courageous!”  It’s a message that we need to hear over and over again.

It’s also a message that requires us to act.  We need to take our worries to the Lord in prayer.  Though we sometimes forget, we have to remember that Jesus is our friend.  I know for me, talking to a friend about something that is stressing me out makes me feel better (and being a listener for one who is also struggling).  That friend is Jesus—and He is there 24/7/365.  Why not start today?

I leave you with a quote from Saint John Paul II, “I plead with you—never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.”

Never, ever says the late Pontiff.  Never, ever.

Chris Hughes