“Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties…” (1 Cor 7:32).
These few words express the heart of St. Paul and of our Lord Himself. I think each and every one of us can agree with this: we all want to be free from anxiety. We want to be free from worry. Fortunately, this past week we celebrated our patron’s feast day, St. Francis de Sales. St. Francis provides great wisdom when it comes to anxiety and living a peaceful life…
"Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry…”
“Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations…”
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. What is anything in life compared to peace of soul?”
May you be blessed by these words and when you find yourself in times of anxiety, turn to Jesus in prayer and find peace.
Lent is coming! It is hard to believe that Lent is fast approaching! In less than 3 weeks, the holiest season of conversion will be here. Please make room for Jesus this season by marking your calendar and coming to these events of spiritual growth and renewal…
Thank You, Jesus, for how You are going to bless us this Lent!
Grateful to be with you along the journey,
Fr. Jeremy
