January 31, 2015 8:30am

It is safe to say that at one time or another, we have all experienced anxiety or even fear.

Sometimes these human emotions can almost completely overtake us.

For example, we may feel generally anxious about our future.

We may wonder how we will hold it all together financially.

Or we may feel afraid of something specific, like a doctor’s report.

Sometimes our imaginations can run away with us.

Sometimes we think the worst.

Acid stomachs and sleepless nights can be the result.

Spiritually, Jesus calls us to place our trust in him.

This is what he says to the apostles in today’s gospel story.

Placing out trust in Him and praying can be a big help.

It can help us to cope and manage and to put things in perspective.

It can help us recall that in the long run, everything is in God’s hands anyway and God loves us unconditionally and is always with us.

This is the response to anxiety and fear that Jesus tries to draw out of us today.

Saint Francis de Sales, a very well-educated and literate man, once wrote these simple words:

“Have no fear for what tomorrow may bring.

The same loving God who cares for you today

will take care of you tomorrow and every day.

God will either shield you from suffering

or give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then,

and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”