The Gospel this week speaks of wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecutions against the faithful. We’ve seen all of these throughout history, and they will continue. Yet Jesus tells us not to be afraid, but to persevere.
It’s easy to feel discouraged when we watch the news. Twenty-four-hour news channels keep us informed, but most of what they share isn’t good news. I miss the days of reading well-written stories in the daily newspaper. The stories were less sensational and less opinionated. The internet overwhelms us with negativity as well. A single click on a troubling story leads to more of the same, and before we know it, we’re surrounded by bad news.
Many people suffered during the recent government shutdown, especially those who weren’t financially prepared. Most experts recommend keeping three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund. Just as it’s wise to prepare financially for unexpected troubles, we should also prepare spiritually for hard times. The greatest trial we’ll all face is our own death. Are we ready to stand before Jesus today? What will He say to us, and what will we say to Him?
Once again, Jesus tells us not to be afraid. We should trust Him as children trust their parents to care for them. Financial hardship feels worse when we’re unprepared, and death feels more fearful when we’re spiritually unprepared.
As the Church nears the end of the liturgical year, we’ll begin to hear more about the end times. If we keep a strong relationship with Jesus, we have nothing to fear. Instead, we can look forward to meeting Him face to face. So don’t be afraid. Stay strong, stay faithful, and keep your eyes on the prize.
