Chaplain’s Corner

Be Not Afraid

October 16, 2024

Has anyone ever asked you, “What are you afraid of?” It is only natural that at some point in our life, we all become afraid of what is or what might possibly happen or of some person or persons. Jesus Himself knows this about us. In John’s Gospel it says that Jesus, “Knew all men and needed no one to bear witness of man; for He himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:25)

On October 16, the Universal Church celebrated the memorial of St.  Margaret Mary Alacoque who promoted the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her vision of Jesus was similar to that of St Faustina. The rays emanating from the Sacred Heart of Jesus represent His love and mercy. Jesus Christ is true God and true Man. This means that the Divine person of Jesus, loves us as God and as Man. In His human nature, He loves us with His whole Human Heart which was pierced while His body hung on the cross. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus entails loving and adoring His human heart. One of the main themes of the biblical message of Jesus is, “Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 28:10) This is what He told Mary Magdalene when she and the other disciples thought all was lost.

What are you afraid of? We all have fears. Remember the words of St. Paul who said, “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, not present things, not things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

It is no secret that Christians around the world and in our country are being persecuted. There is a beautiful prayer written by St. Teresa of Avila in the sixteenth century which was designed for all of us who are tempted to be or are afraid. She wrote:

                                                                                                                Let nothing disturb you.

                                                                 Let nothing frighten you.

                                                               All things are passing away.

                                                                God never changes.

                                                              Patience obtains all things.

                                                                Whoever has God lacks nothing.

                                                            God alone suffices.

May the Sacred Heart of the Divine Physician touch your heart wounded by original sin and heal it with the graces from the sacraments so we can help heal the hearts of our patients, our loved ones and anyone we may meet. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!