The last ten years have brought many reasons to fear, feel downcast, and to wish for better times: a pandemic, political and social divisions, natural disasters. For many, these trials in addition to those of human life that include illness, death of loved ones, and troubles for our children weigh heavily on our hearts. A number of us have experienced great anxiety and cause for worry. For me, supporting my wife during cancer surgeries and treatments and not attending mass every week during the pandemic was difficult. I haven’t forgotten the sense of loss and sadness during those days.
During difficult times, we must persevere to read God’s healing words in the scriptures, for in them we will find great comfort in our current situations and the promise of better times ahead. We must not worry but instead find joy to lift up ourselves and those around us.
- Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious; I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10).
- It is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31: 8).
- I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you. (John 14:18).
- Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? (Matthew 6:27).
- Worry weighs down the heart, but a kind word gives it joy. (Proverbs 12:25).
- A glad heart lights up the face, but an anguished heart breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13).
- A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22).
We must also remember that God knows what we need so we should not be anxious over earthly things, as our Heavenly Father will provide those. We should seek to live according to his will as tomorrow will take care of itself. We may ask Jesus for what we need in his name but we should wait patiently for his answer (Matthew 6; Psalm 27).
- Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. (John 14:1).
- If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. (John 14: 14).
- Hear my voice, Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. (Psalm 27: 7).
- Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14).
God is always with us as we are his people – we must trust in God. A consequence of believing in him with all our being is “trusting God in every circumstance, even in adversity.” (CCC 222, 227). St. Teresa of Avila’s prayer conveys this trust:
Let nothing trouble you
Let nothing frighten you
Everything passes
God never changes
Patience obtains all
Whoever has God wants for nothing
God alone is enough. (CCC 227).
Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church: Modifications from the Editio Typica (2nd ed.). Doubleday.
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