What are your fears? Many people have different fears in their lives. Some fears always remain with us and some fears we outgrow. Fear can cause stress, sleepless nights, and other health problems. While therapists, doctors, counselors, and others can help us manage our fears, we can always look in scripture.
In the reading from the Revelations and in the Gospel reading in today's liturgy we heard the words, "Do not be afraid." John in a vision on the island of Patmos saw the resurrected Christ. After falling over from shock at seeing Christ, John heard him say, "Do not be afraid. Write down what you have seen." Then in the Gospel reading, the apostles were in the upper room and Jesus appeared to them saying, "Do not be afraid. Receive the Holy Spirit..."
Without counting for myself, I have heard that there are 365 places in scripture where the words, "Fear not," or "Do not be afraid" appear. For me, trusting in God who loves me can help me through my fears. I can sit still and talk to Jesus or Mary. I can pray and journal through something. There are songs based on scripture that tell me not to be afraid, and when needed, I can talk to someone who I know cares and listens.
At Baptism we were given an "indelible mark" which says we belong to Christ. Therefore, we can get our courage, strength, and hope from him. He is the one we can always turn to. We don't need an appointment. We just have to show up.
In the reading from the Revelations and in the Gospel reading in today's liturgy we heard the words, "Do not be afraid." John in a vision on the island of Patmos saw the resurrected Christ. After falling over from shock at seeing Christ, John heard him say, "Do not be afraid. Write down what you have seen." Then in the Gospel reading, the apostles were in the upper room and Jesus appeared to them saying, "Do not be afraid. Receive the Holy Spirit..."
Without counting for myself, I have heard that there are 365 places in scripture where the words, "Fear not," or "Do not be afraid" appear. For me, trusting in God who loves me can help me through my fears. I can sit still and talk to Jesus or Mary. I can pray and journal through something. There are songs based on scripture that tell me not to be afraid, and when needed, I can talk to someone who I know cares and listens.
At Baptism we were given an "indelible mark" which says we belong to Christ. Therefore, we can get our courage, strength, and hope from him. He is the one we can always turn to. We don't need an appointment. We just have to show up.
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