Fear

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Fear

We all face fear. New job, loss of family members, abuse, an unsettled future where ever we live. We only need watch the evening news and fear can enter our beings. Is it real? Very often yes. For each of us, yes it is real and quite different. And the source can be as individual as the person experiencing this fear. It is near impossible to imagine the fear of some people in the world facing death or maiming in the many wars and terror regions on the planet.

What can we do? Where can we go? Some people will lose themselves in drugs and alcohol, some in busying themselves so as not to think. Others will find an escape in music or bury themselves in family activities or studies. There are so many ways to cover the fear. But that is only covering it. We need to face the fears we have. (Easier said than done you tell me) Yes that is perhaps easier to say than do. It may take years, it may be something that can be solved immediately but the trauma may remain for a lifetime. Simply refer to the numbers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sufferers in non-combat situations. And of course those with PTSD from combat after the many recent wars.

I’ll ask again: what can we do?
For some it may take therapy and a great deal of time to heal. For others a change of environment. Fear is something very hard to control. For those we wish to help a good deal of patience and understanding goes a long way, and the knowledge that we can be part of the solution to someone’s pain and fear, and not be more of a problem to them. Love and mercy. These can help. In phenomenology there is a means of empathizing with the one who suffers in fear.

We need to remember that we are also called to “walk in the light” (1 Jn 1: 7) and not to fear the future.  St John Paul II said: “I plead with you – never ever give up on hope, never doubt and never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid”. Some very good advice for us. We all face certain fears and uncertainties. Don’t let us make the mistake of despair when we face these. But rather look up and out and see that we have a greater source of strength than any fear… and walk in the light. Fear and worry will not solve anything.

“Fear not because God is with you” – St Padre Pio

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Fading

Our society is oriented towards those who stand out, are famous. In our own entourage we seek to be noticed in our family and friends. Sometimes our work may require that we are seen and known. Quite acceptable of course. And we want our work to succeed. Perhaps a high profile is necessary for the sake of sales and branding. It is the inner self who must remain that quiet apostle working untiringly in the background.

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Hope

We live in hope because we know that with the Resurrection we are not left to the fear of death and sorrow. We have the hope of eternal life and we know that we are not left in the lives we once had. But now rather, we are filled with possibilities for a greater day. A better us.

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Persevere

We need to renew our efforts so that our discipleship will be a productive one in which our apostolates are fruitful. Not for our own gain or praise, but rather for the increase to the kingdom and the salvation of souls.

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