The Company of St. Ursula In the United States

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Tending the vine – Facing our fears

Anxious – when the doctor’s office leaves the message, “Your test results showed something…”?
Nervous – when your pastor says, “Would you…”?
Scared – when you wake up and can’t remember last night?
Worried – when you hear the company is downsizing?
Afraid – when a familiar Scripture verse speaks straight to you for the first time?
Frightened – when you get lost, alone, in the dark?
Terrified – when the little boat of your life seems ready to go under?

Are you ever afraid of God?

A WISDOM-TEACHER

            On board a ship driven off course by relentless Mediterranean winds, Angela Merici must have known fear. The vessel had no sooner limped into a quiet cove than pirates moved in to ambush it. A fellow passenger, Antonio Romano, reported that somehow the ship escaped.
            Angela must have trembled inside as a teenager when both parents and an older sister died in close succession, leaving her and her brothers to manage their farm.
            What did she feel at age 40 when she moved to Brescia to begin a new life in the big city?
            Yes, Angela knew fear.
            She also knew where to turn when fear clutches at our hearts. To women charged with new responsibilities, she said, “Do not be afraid of not knowing and not being able to do what is rightly required.... Have hope and firm faith in God, for he will help you in everything. Pray to him ... because, without doubt, as he has given you this charge, so he will give you also the strength to be able to carry it out, provided you do not fail for your part.”
            Angela recognized that fear can be a healthy reaction. For those who are over-confident, she recommended a sobering dose of realism.
            She encourages all, “Do not lose heart and hope.”

REFLECTING and DOING

1) In the darkest hour, just before dawn, join three women: Mary of Magdala, Salome, and Mary. They have endured more suffering than they could have feared. They have lost the One who was everything to them. They watched, helpless, as he was tortured and killed. Now they fear that they cannot face the future. Walk with these women through the dark streets of your city. What stretches ahead of you? Name your fear for that future. Now you arrive with them in a garden. The eastern sky begins to glow. A young man next to an open cave-tomb says, “Do not be afraid!”

2) Write down a fear that confronts you. Write your answer to the following question: Is what you fear more powerful than God? Can you and God together confront this fear?

3) A member of the Company of St. Ursula has noted that her fear is often a clue to where she is being called. That part of herself that resists growth shrinks from challenges. She has learned to see fear as a clue to where the Holy Spirit is inviting her. Do you remember occasions when your fear sought to block your growth? Is there any invitation to fuller life that is now triggering your fear? Look for God on the other side of your fear. God will reach through, take your hand, and walk through it with you.

4) Listen to St. Teresa of Avila, as she encourages you to take the long view about what matters and how long it will last:
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things pass away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
One who has God
Finds s/he lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

SCRIPTURE PATHS

One of the most frequent phrases in Scripture is “Do not be afraid.” God’s presence is the most powerful antidote to fear, if we recognize God’s loving care for us. To respond in loving trust is to recognize the truth of St. John’s words, “Perfect love casts out fear.” God may or may not deliver us from what we fear, but God will surely accompany us through it.

1) Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage (Psalm 23:4).

2) The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

3) For I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I will help you" (Isaiah 41:13).

4) Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you (Deut. 31:6).

5) For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).

6) Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30).

7) Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).

8) Then the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified" (Matthew 28:5).

9) At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27).

10) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid (John 14:27).

11) On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, "Let us cross to the other side." …A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?" (Mark 4:35-41)

PRAYER

1) Go to a place where you can be alone and talk aloud. Tell God what you’re afraid of. Talk it over.

2) God of Perfect Peace, I am crippled by so many fears and anxieties. The burden is more than I can bear. Give me the grace to trust you completely. Help me to know in the core of my being that I am your beloved child and that nothing can harm me. Hold me safely in your loving arms. Amen.

3) Close your eyes and let yourself relax by taking several slow, deep breaths. When you have become relaxed, invoke the name “Jesus” with each breath. Find a rhythm that is comfortable for you. Allow your fears to melt away. In Jesus’ name, there is no fear. There is only perfect peace.

4) Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
             you restore my strength.
             You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley,
             I fear no harm for you are at my side;
             your rod and staff give me courage.

You set a table before me as my enemies watch;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.