Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! (Isaiah 35:4)

Have you ever screamed out loud “Go, Go, Go!” in your car? If you have, you are most likely one of the people in today’s rushing world, especially at this time of the year. Your day-to-day consists of waking up, rushing to get ready for work, sitting in traffic, barely having time to take a lunch break, commuting home, heading to your workout class or after work meet up, running your kids back and forth to soccer practice while trying to feed them dinner, etc. The list could go on and on. This constant on-the-go lifestyle imposes fear and anxiety in your heart. Toward the end the day, you feel extremely tired and have no time and energies for God, for yourselves, and your loved ones. Fear is neither abnormal nor a sign of weakness. It is hardwired in your brain. Your capacity to be afraid is part of normal brain function. In fact, a lack of fear may be a sign of serious problem. What really matter is how to deal with fear and not let it leads you to anxiety and distress. There are two things for which you need develop and pray: Courage and trust. St. Augustine said: “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” When faced with fear, you should pray for courage, and trust that all things work for the good for those who love the Lord. With that in mind, we will find it easier to plan your next steps.

Can you name your three strongest fears?

What are controllable, pray for courage to do your very best to accomplish them.

What are beyond you control, pray for trust and place your total dependence on God, that His will be done.

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. (The Roman Missal, The Communion Rite)

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen