Daily Reflections- July 14, 2012

BE NOT AFRAID

 

There were many traveling missionaries during the early stages of the Church and there was great suspicion among many who the true ones were. The disciples of Jesus are called to be simple, honest and bold in their proclamation. They were told not to be afraid as the Lord will take care of all things.

Like the first reading, we find ourselves unworthy of so great a task. Yet we are also reminded that it’s not ourselves so much as the Lord working through us. This can give us great encouragement that the Lord is guiding, leading and accompanying us. We simply need to be open to His grace and cooperate. Easier said than done, as we often get in the way of the Lord. Like Isaiah the prophet of old, we can say, “Here I am Lord, send me.” God the Father anticipates our every need. He knows the intimate details of our life. Every hair has been counted! (I like that since I don’t have much to count!) The Father even notices the sparrows that fall to the ground. None of us notice that; we couldn’t care less but the Father does.

God the Father understands our fears; He knows our weaknesses and our limitations. However, God also knows the capacity and the potential there

is within all of us. He is our Father-Creator. We are great and very useful in the eyes of God.

Let us place our trust in the Loving Father. Let us not be afraid to bring our fears to the Father. He will calm and comfort us in His presence. Be not afraid to turn to Him in prayer, solitude and in quiet. He waits for you. The Lily of the Mohawk Indians, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, was beatified in 1980 and serves as a model of one who gave herself to God and dedicated herself to the concerns of others. Today we ask her intercession to help us to always trust in God’s provision. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What are your dominant fears — fear of the unknown, of people, of unfulfilled promises, of being out of control, or of the loss of heaven?

 

Lord, I am afraid of many things. Teach me to trust in Your perfect love that casts out all fear. I bring my fears before You and lay them at Your feet.