Worries and fears

PWe are prone to fear and worry. Many feel today that there is much to fear. Fear is not necessarily a bad thing. We are right to fear violence, cruelty and indifference. Fear can act as a protective function, warning us of the presence of danger. But fear can be a handicap. It can paralyse, it can sap our confidence and our courage. 

The apostles were afraid (Matthew 10: 26-33). In telling them not to be Jesus doesn’t underestimate the challenge fear poses. Christ wants to allay their fear to give them the courage they will need to fulfil their mission.

How does he do this. He calls them to trust. Trust in God who values all his creatures even the smallest like the sparrow. Courage is the most important of the virtues. Without courage we can’t practise any other virtue. To be free from fear is a great gift.

How do we learn to trust? We learn to trust in our relationships. Relationships of nurturing, faithful and stable love. How can we become less fearful, more transparent, present to our situation, the now, free? Strong real prayer life. It’s in our prayer we meet God. It is Jesus who teaches us to pray and The Holy spirit who gives us the courage to persevere in the midst of our doubts. There are so many ways we can pray. There is the prayer of the Mass, quiet contemplation or the payer of service. Truly a life of prayer will allow us to live more fully until the time comes to die. It is vital that each one of us discovers a pattern of prayer. A rhythm suited to our state of life. Don’t delay. In prayer we can learn to live with our worries and face our fears.

Mgr Jim
P.S. Please find here the link to the interview with Revd Dr Paul Haidostian mentioned in the homily on Sunday.
It is full of hope and insight and only 10 minutes long. https://youtu.be/b6FrInlFAoY

P.P.S. Remember that we are open this Sunday for individual prayer from 2pm to 6pm. Thank you to all who volunteered to act as stewards and cleaners this Sunday and on Wednesday.

Happy Father’s day to all our dads. 

If you need any spiritual books and items please contact the Pauline Books & Media at:
email: www.paulineuk.org
telephone: 0207 937 9591
Website: www.paulineuk.org
Pray with the Pope:
website: www.thepopevideo.org

---