"Be Not Afraid"

The most repeated advice in the bible is “Do not be afraid!” St. John Paul II began his pontificate by saying “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept His power” (link NCR).  We reflected on those words back in March when met on Zoom for the first time, stunned but hopeful.

Last night, those words of faith and courage were the golden thread of stories about Saints and virtues. We are blessed to have the seminarians with us on Wednesday evenings. Please pray for Alex, Christian, Luke, Caleb, Sal, and Griffin (L to R in the gallery picture) and be assured of their prayers for Blessed Sacrament. Let me share highlights from last night. Did you know …    

St. Maximilian Kolbe was not only courageous in the concentration camps but also as a twelve-year-old boy.  At a young age, he accepted both crowns from Our Lady:  white for heroic virtue and red for martyrdom.

St. Christopher was called to carry the weight of the world and the One who created it. We, too, bear Christ when receiving the Eucharist and become strengthened for the challenge of the Christian mission.

St. Longinus was the spear bearer at the crucifixion.  Then, when the blood and water poured forth from the side of Jesus, he was healed of his blindness, physical and spiritual.  He went on to become a martyr for Christ.

Venerable Matt Talbot is a modern-day example of converting from a life of alcoholism to holiness through the meeting of a priest and the sacrament of reconciliation.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati was known for integrating faith into everyday life through his devotion to Mary, the Eucharist, and to Christ in the poor.

Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine of Laboure and asked for the Miraculous Medal. All sacramentals, like the medal and scapular, help us in our daily-life devotions and protect us at our time of death.

Pray for more courage and faith, our tools for living and sharing the Good News. Where can you see Christ? Where can you be Christ. Do you feel called to share the message through street evangelization? What if you heard or spoke these words: “Hey, can I pray with you?” Remember, Be not afraid!