I am increasingly learning these days that faith and fear live side by side in our hearts. Faith is not the absence of fear, but rather the choice to trust God even when fear grips us. Scripture tells us repeatedly, “Do not be afraid,” not because there is nothing to fear, but because God is with us amid our struggles.

In today’s world, and especially right now in our country, many are deeply fearful that we are losing our moral compass, our compassion, and our sense of justice. There is a real anxiety that the values we hold dear, and the values that we live by as a Christian people - truth, human dignity, care for the poor, honesty in leadership - are being trampled in a political climate that rewards division and cruelty. These fears are not unfounded, and we shouldn’t pretend otherwise.

Jesus does not leave us in our fear. He calls us to live differently, not in panic, but with purpose. He reminds us that the kingdom of God is not built on power or popularity, but on mercy, humility, and truth. Jesus teaches us to be peacemakers, truth tellers, and defenders of the vulnerable.

In the face of injustice Jesus does not call us to silence or despair, but to boldness rooted in love. If we fear for the soul of our country, we must deepen our faith, not in political systems, but in the living Christ who calls us to be light in the darkness. Fear can paralyze, but faith empowers. Through faith, we can still be instruments of healing, justice and moral clarity, no matter how broken the world seems.

Please pray this prayer during the week.

A Prayer in Troubled Times - Lord Jesus, when the world seems to lose its way, anchor us in truth. When fear rises in our hearts, fill us with your peace. Give us courage to speak with compassion, to stand with the suffering, to act with justice, and to never lose hope in your power to redeem. May we live not in fear, but in the fierce light of your love. AMEN!

Have a safe and blessed week ahead.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish