ALVAREZ: Faith over fear

A Sacred of Jesus statue is seen at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)Did you know that many things we worry about don’t come about? When we worry or are in fear of something that is not actually happening, we end up cultivating a sense of fear. 

Unfortunately, fear is sometimes transmitted and may spread to others. However, we have the choice of refuting fear and believing in the power of Christ. Reinstating our trust in the risen Lord and exercising compassion to our fellow brothers and sisters. There are saints like Padre Pio whose directives were to pray and not to worry.

It’s quite easy to fall into the trap of discouragement or lukewarmness in this day and age. Fortunately, as Christians, we are called to practice faith and follow through with our actions as we care for one another. What does that look like? Well, some steps could reflect our involvement in the Sacraments and holy worship. 

For example, are we building unity or division? Do we seek Christ in every situation, or do we see catastrophic possibilities in everything? Do our thoughts, words and actions point to Christ? As we reflect and ponder these questions, we take into account our brokenness and need for Christ’s salvific grace.

We are broken humans who are in need of Christ; we know that, right?  However, do we believe it and respond? As adults, we might be very aware of how much of Jesus we need, so that our actions reflect a Christ-like Christian. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He clearly saw hearts in need of redemption. His approach was one of mercy and shared God’s grace through a loving action. He came to save us, sinners; thank God for His grace. 

Here’s the thing: we frequently forget about the action part that comes after mercy and Jesus’ sanctifying grace. The part where we must respond to Him and take action towards holiness. In the holy Gospel according to John, we witness, “And Jesus said, neither do I condemn you; go and do not sin again” (Jn 8: 11).

The good news is that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to teach you and me, as His children, the road map back to our creator. 

Do we sometimes get lost along the way to holiness? Absolutely, and it takes humility to see our faults and to ask for forgiveness. “Forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col 3:13).

I find that when we are exercising this principle and are in communion with the holy Sacraments of the Church, our hearts are much at peace. The challenge is learning how not to repeat our mistakes and strive for holiness. The great part is that we can make the choice to start anew today and persevere with our Savior, Jesus. 

Melissa Alvarez is an associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis - Ministry for Persons with Disabilities.