Words of Comfort

 "Do not be afraid!" Those are the words that I heard from St. Pope John Paul II when I watched a video clip of his sayings. It gave me great comfort, for I know that Jesus said those same words many different times to his disciples, to those seeking to be healed in some fashion, even the archangel Gabriel said this statement first to Our Lady at the annunciation. The angels said to the shepherds on Christmas night after Jesus was born to not be afraid. 

There are so many instances in our lives where there is fear, fear of the unknown, of the future, of possibilities and unpredictability's. Fear grips us of our joy and to be present to the here and now. The present is where God is, with the gifts and graces we receive. I think fear shows up in different moments of our lives that sometimes we don't know that it is actually fear leading us. You may wonder, has fear gripped me at all recently? No, not really. But in some ways it has because it has shown its ugly face in the feelings of stress, restlessness and worries which do not seek to rest in Christ's arms of mercy and confidence, but rather to let the stirrings dictate the heart and mind. 

I primarily wanted to look up this video of St. Pope JP II in order to hear him speak. I never met him in person in this life, so what better way to connect and draw closer to him and his intercession as he is my saint of the year! This video was also a bit different since it showcased the many languages he spoke well. As of lately, I have been immersed and inspired in my head regarding languages and with deciding to pick up some German again. I wanted to know if St. Pope John Paul II also knew or spoke some German, and he did, as well as French which I have also been relearning on the side. He knew a variety of languages and could connect with a multiple of cultures and people, how beautiful! He was the most traveled Pope.

Hearing him speak in English, 'Do not be afraid' among other words was comforting, and I could sense his vigor and strength and love for Christ. At work on Friday, since it was a day after a holiday and not busy, I had the idea to look up and write down some of his famous and beautiful quotes to help me feel more connected with him at my job. When it wasn't very productive for me, I knew I could be pleasing to him as he always tried to be busy and productive throughout his days.