“I plead with you! Never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.” ~ St. Pope John Paul II
If anyone in history ever took the message of the angels and ran with it for all it was worth, it would be John Paul II. His entire ministry was filled with moments when he proclaimed “Be not afraid!” He spoke those words in the midst of world crisis. He spoke those words in the ushering in of a new millennium. He spoke those words to people living in fear and distress. And he spoke those words, as if to himself, as he faced death.
Be not afraid. Fear not!
That is the message that the Angel Gabriel spoke to Mary when He brought her God’s invitation to become the mother of Jesus. That is the message that angels spoke to the shepherds when they heralded the joyful message of Christ’s birth. That is the message that an angel spoke to Paul to assure him that he would survive a storm and shipwreck. That is the message of the angels over and over again throughout the Old and New Testament.
Why this message?
If you think about it, the angels were sent by God to various people to give them a message directly from Himself. God has a soft spot in His heart, if you will, for His people. We are created in His image and likeness. God would never deliver a message of fear. However, there are times when we are so overwhelmed that we do fear. God wants to dispel our fear because He wants us to receive His peace and His love.
Don’t ever fear God. Don’t ever fear His message. It is always a message of pure love for you, for us, and for His world. Be not afraid!
FAITH ACTION: Ask God to take away whatever fear resides in your heart so that you can better feel His presence.