The Greatest Thing to Fear is Fear Itself

It is like a ball and chain attached to our ankles that slow us down and at times does not let us walk. That is the feeling that overwhelmed me a few days ago when I heard the news.

The Wall Street Journal on April 30, 2009 reports that the World Health Organizations says that “a global pandemic from a new strain of flu appeared imminent, as the number of ill continued to grow and the first death outside Mexico was reported in Texas.”

A virus is not a living organism. It is an intruder that can lay inactive for a long time and at the right time break into a cell of a living being and create havoc. That is what this influenza virus is about. For a simple explanation go to

http://www.microbeworld.org/microbes/virus_bacterium.aspx

We are reminded that God is in control.

With Psalm 27:1, we need to sing:

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?

At a time when USA was gripped by fear Franklin D. Roosevelt in his First inaugural address

in 1933 said “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Pope John Paul said at the beginning of his papacy in October 22: “Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!”

What are we to do about the fear of the future? We are to have courage, COURAGE to stand firm and proclaim the greatness of the Lord to All.

Pray the Rosary – As an individual and as a family. Look for God’s strength and power and not rely on your own strength.

“Not by power of might but by My Spirit says the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6

John 14:27 reads”

I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid.

Jesus says in Matthew 10:29:

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Let us remember Romans 8:31:

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Written by Marta Alves – April 30, 2009