Reflection
Fear is one of the main sources of cruelty. Some fears are rational and some are not; we need to know the difference. Fear is an embodiment of our ancient fight-or-flight response. It arises when we believe that someone or something is a dangerous threat to our safety. Although this is an essential protective instinct to assure survival in a real danger, it can be easily manipulated to cause people to make bad decisions. Panic and hysteria cause people to accept group beliefs without really knowing the truth. We cannot let fear or the play on fear deprive us of our best selves as a nation or as individuals.
Prayer
The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
Action
Consider your own fears. Consider the causes. How can you control these emotions and turn them into positive actions?
Suggested Reading
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
1 Peter 3:13-14
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18
Fear is an attitude that harms us. It weakens us, diminishes us. It even paralyzes us…Fear brings you to a self-centered selfishness and paralyzes you. A fearful Christian is a person who has not understood the message of Jesus.
Pope Francis
God of light and God of darkness, God of conscience and God of courage
lead us through this time of spiritual confusion and public uncertainty. Lead us beyond fear, apathy and defensiveness to new hope in You and to hearts full of faith.
Joan Chittister,OSB
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
Plato
Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.
Ralph Waldo Emerson