In Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi prayers on Friday, he shared many profound and Insightful observations.
Using Matthew’s Gospel about the storm on the Sea of Galilee, he remarked ….
“The storm exposes our vulnerability and uncovers those false and superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and priorities.”
How very true! The changes in the world around us certainly give us a different perspective on the “certainties” around which we have built our lives. Everything that a few weeks ago seemed part of the bedrock of our perspectives on life and living has shifted under our feet.
Hence it is no surprise that we find ourselves unsure of our footings. Like the disciples in the ship, we feel tossed about by the events, fear for our safety.
The Pope challenged us to invite Jesus into the boats of our lives as we sail through this storm. To hand over our fears to him so that he can conquer them.
I suspect the best way to do that is to recognize when feelings or fear or anxiety well up within us, and to ask God to take away or lessen that anxiety.
Saint John’s parish has been posting reflections on its website and Facebook page that can also be part of our prayer to be released from our fears.
We can read the text of his reflection HERE And we can watch the entire Urbi et Orbi liturgy on the web HERE and be nourished again by the Pope’s words.