Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”

Bumper stickers, T-shirts and pickup trucks sport the words: “No fear.” It seems to be an expression of youthful confidence and daring. Once we're past our twenties it becomes more difficult to brag about our freedom from fear. Worries, cares and responsibilities pile up; the laughter is less spontaneous; the whole approach more cautious. Some of that might be inevitable but let's not believe that too easily.

One of the qualities of our faith should be a genuine and deep confidence and trust in the Lord, a trust that casts out at least some if not most of our fear. Our Lord, after telling his disciples of all the tough consequences they might face, encourages them. “Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the soul.” he even says: “Do not let them intimidate you” (Matthew 10:24-33).

He goes on and stresses God's care for us by saying the hairs of our head are numbered. And once again: “So do not be afraid of anything.” How far we are from this total trust when we let ourselves be oppressed with worries and cares. How difficult it is to entirely surrender ourselves into the loving care of God. We generally would rather keep control ourselves even if it means a worried, harassed existence.

Lord, give new life, even youth to our faith, our trust, our confidence. Francis, the first ever Jesuit in his position, certainly is doing his best to give new life and youth to our faith. Let us bless the Jesuits if that background helps account for the hope and encouragement Francis is always ready to bring us.

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

Watch Daily Mass online at: SaintJohnsAbbey.org/live

Send your prayer requests to the monks