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Do not be afraid!
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not easy! Going to Mass on Sunday morning, putting a little silver in the envelope for the fight against world poverty, not taking my neighbour's bank card.......If that is all being a disciple of Jesus Christ means, well then there is every chance I would not feel anxious. But being a disciple of Jesus is not just practicing a religion, but rather, living the Gospel......in my whole life. In fact, the Lord is asking us: what are the essential values for you? What are you afraid of losing? What you really value is revealed by the nature of your fears.
Living the Gospel could well mean not to succeed materially, being misunderstood, having to suffer....
But Jesus says to us: Do not be afraid I am with you. You are worth so much to God that he sent his Son to redeem you.
But that does not mean that we are not hurt in the struggle. God has not given us a miraculous bulletproof vest to wear, nor does he send his toughest angels to act as our body-guards. We shall be harmed like everyone else, but the wounds will not penetrate to our heart of hearts. We shall remain peaceful and loving because we are made strong by a Love that goes beyond us, a Love that has triumphed over hatred, suffering and death. We cannot be harmed.
So, do not be afraid! The Father is very close to each and every one of us and His eyes never leave us.
Michel Quoist
Meeting God
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