Dealing with our fears

FEAR is one of those emotions woven into every human heart. By itself, it is neither good nor bad. Its value depends on what awakens it, where it is directed, and whether it draws us closer to God or quietly pulls us away from him. 

 Among the beautiful gifts of the Holy Spirit is the fear of the Lord. It is not a fear of punishment but the loving hesitation to offend the One who created us and calls us his children. The opposite is the fear Christ gently dispelled whenever he said, “Be not afraid.” 

 We see this fear in St. Peter. At Christ’s command he walked upon the water, but when the wind grew fierce and the waves became threatening, his eyes shifted from the Master to the storm, and doubt began to sink him. (cf. Mt. 14:28-30) 

 The same fear can quietly enter our hearts whenever our faith begins to loosen its hold on Christ. We need to guard against it with care. With him beside us, no circumstance is truly beyond hope, and even what seems impossible slowly becomes possible through his grace. 

 Such fear often appears when we lean more upon our own strength than upon the limitless power of God. Yet he delights in sharing his life with us, for we were created in his image and likeness, destined to reflect his goodness and to share in his divine life.

 This is the secret of the saints, especially the martyrs. They accomplished extraordinary deeds, even surrendering their own lives, because their confidence rested not in themselves but in God. Their human gifts blossomed only because they followed his will. 

 Since fear will always accompany our earthly journey, we should allow it to become a teacher of humility and trust. The disciples themselves learned this lesson when they saw Christ walking upon the sea. (cf. Mt. 14:33) Their fear opened the way to worship. 

 When Jesus entered their boat, their hearts found peace, and their lips confessed, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Fear had become the doorway to deeper faith. Such grace is always waiting whenever we humbly place ourselves in God's loving hands. 

 The answer, then, is not simply to resist fear through determination alone. We overcome it by believing more deeply and surrendering ourselves more completely to God's loving designs. Even our struggles become occasions for growing in faith. 

 To live wisely is to expect trials, disappointments, and seasons of suffering. Yet we should never allow these shadows to eclipse God's constant presence. His faithful love remains unchanged, quietly sustaining us through every storm that comes our way. 

 Whenever fear rises within us, Christ still speaks the same reassuring words: “Take heart... it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mt. 14:27) Those words are not merely comforting; they are an invitation to anchor our hearts firmly in his abiding presence. 

 Peter's experience upon the sea reminds us that faith is often tested when life's winds become strongest. During such moments, we must resist fixing our eyes on the waves and instead keep them lovingly fixed on the Lord who walks above every storm. 

 Yes, pressure can either weaken or deepen our faith. Rather than allowing fear to multiply within us, we should let trust grow stronger. Every challenge can become another step toward a more confident and enduring friendship with God. 

 Indeed, the fears that arise so naturally before life's uncertainties are not merely obstacles to endure. In God's loving providence, they become precious invitations to believe more deeply, love more faithfully, and walk ever more confidently with Christ.

Why, Lord, do we have to deny ourselves?

AS we already know, Christ expressed with unmistakable clarity what is required of those who desire to become his disciples. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,” he declared. He then explained the profound reason behind this demanding invitation: “For he that will save his life, shall lose it, and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it.” (Mt 16:24-25) 

 These words can understandably provoke disbelief and challenge our ordinary way of thinking. One may ask, “Lord, why should following you require such sacrifice? If you truly love us and possess infinite power, why not make discipleship easier and more attractive?” 

 A proper response begins by approaching Christ’s teaching through the light of faith rather than relying exclusively on natural reason. Faith extends far beyond the limits of human understanding. 

 It does not contradict reason but perfects and elevates it. Consequently, humility becomes the indispensable condition for receiving faith. Without genuine humility, the human mind remains closed to the divine wisdom that faith communicates. 

 Christ, who perfectly knows what leads to authentic human flourishing, calls us to deny ourselves and embrace the cross not to burden life unnecessarily but to liberate us from the narrow confines of selfishness. 

 His purpose is to replace self-sufficiency with confident reliance on his providence. Self-denial is therefore not an assault upon human personality but an invitation to entrust one's life to Christ, the perfect model of authentic humanity and the Redeemer who restores our wounded nature. 

 Such self-denial primarily requires rejecting disordered self-love and the tendency to live solely according to what can be perceived by the senses. In doing so, we transcend the limitations of our merely natural existence and become capable of participating in the supernatural life of God. Created in his image and likeness, we are destined to share in his divine life and to participate in his very nature. 

 Nevertheless, denying oneself remains difficult because it demands a profound transformation of our ordinary inclinations. Human nature instinctively seeks self-preservation, comfort, and personal control. Christ’s invitation to self-denial therefore requires us to relinquish the supremacy of our own desires and to reorient our lives toward the fulfillment of God's will. 

 Indeed, several realities make this complete surrender to Christ especially demanding. We possess a strong inclination to direct every aspect of our lives according to our own preferences. We naturally desire to determine our future, pursue our own ambitions, and seek personal recognition. Surrendering this autonomy to Christ can easily appear as though genuine freedom were being diminished. 

 Moreover, the Christian life involves an enduring interior struggle between earthly desires and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, between the inclinations of the flesh and those of the spirit. Pride, anger, selfishness, and similar tendencies become deeply rooted through repeated choices and therefore require continual vigilance, discipline, and divine assistance if they are to be overcome. 

 Yet, if we cultivate authentic humility, allow ourselves to be guided by the light of faith, and remain open to the transforming power of divine grace, nothing that Christ asks of us is ultimately beyond our capacity. We have already been forewarned that genuine discipleship necessarily entails carrying the cross and embracing suffering with perseverance. 

 Accordingly, we must continually reform our patterns of thought and conduct so that our judgments, decisions, and responses increasingly conform to the wisdom and will of God rather than remaining governed merely by our own limited perspectives.

Keeping in mind Tabor and Calvary

THE glory of Christ's Transfiguration on Mount Tabor should never be separated from His sacrifice on Mount Calvary. The dazzling light of Tabor prepares us for the darkness of the Cross, reminding us that suffering is never the final chapter. The same path awaits us. We, too, are called to pass through trials before entering into glory. 

 The Feast of the Transfiguration reminds us of our true destiny. We are not made only for this passing world but for eternal communion with God. One day, by His grace, we shall share in His divine life, our humanity transformed and filled with His radiant glory. 

 What the apostles witnessed on the mountain was a glimpse of what God desires for every believer. Christ's divinity shone through His humanity, revealing the future that awaits those who remain united with Him. Our ordinary lives—with their work, family responsibilities, joys, and struggles—are meant to become places where God's grace quietly shines. 

 The Father's words, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him," remain the surest guide for every Christian. We listen to Christ when we immerse ourselves in Sacred Scripture, speak with Him in prayer, receive Him in the sacraments, and recognize His presence in the ordinary circumstances of each day. Through this constant listening, we are gradually transformed, not by escaping our humanity but by allowing it to be elevated and sanctified. 

 This is why we need to cultivate a truly supernatural outlook. A well-ordered spiritual life nourished by prayer, the sacraments, and daily conversion enables us to see beyond appearances. It allows us to face each day with serenity, to work generously, and to remain focused on doing God's will instead of becoming consumed by fear or discouragement. 

 The Transfiguration was also a gift of strength. Jesus revealed His glory shortly before His agony in Gethsemane and His death on Calvary. He prepared His disciples for the scandal of the Cross by allowing them to glimpse the triumph that lay beyond it. In the same way, the memory of Tabor strengthens us whenever we must carry our own crosses. 

 Our response to suffering, therefore, cannot remain merely human. While we should use every legitimate means to solve our problems, we must also unite every trial with the sacrifice of Christ. Difficulties become occasions for deeper faith, greater patience, and more generous love when they are offered together with Him. 

 Faith also teaches us to lift our eyes above immediate circumstances. If we focus only on what is visible, discouragement easily takes hold. But when we see life through the light of God's providence, we discover that He can draw good even from situations that seem confusing or painful. Nothing is wasted in His loving plan. 

 This perspective helps us remain calm amid life's storms. Fear, anxiety, and uncontrolled emotions often cloud our judgment and weaken our peace. Confidence in God does not remove every difficulty, but it gives us the inner strength to face them with clarity, courage, and hope. 

 We should also learn the holy art of beginning again. Instead of dwelling on failures or becoming imprisoned by regret, we can treat every setback as an opportunity to grow in humility, wisdom, and perseverance. A recollected heart quickly rises after every fall because it knows that God's mercy is always greater than human weakness. 

 Ultimately, the Feast of the Transfiguration teaches us to bring Tabor into our Calvary. We carry in our hearts the certainty that beyond every cross lies the promise of resurrection. When we remember the glory Christ has prepared for those who love Him, we can embrace even the hardest moments with peaceful confidence, knowing that the road of the Cross always leads to the everlasting light of God's kingdom.

Less scroll, more life, please

WE really need to do something drastic about this worldwide pandemic of a sweet poison called compulsive scrolling. We need to replace our phone habits with real life before this endless scrolling destroys our attention span. Yes, we need a radical detox from this mindless scrolling addiction. 

 To have a handle on this very disturbing phenomenon, we need to know its causes. Some studies point to the psychological angles of escapism, boredom, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, fear of missing out, loneliness, etc. 

 There is also what is called as the neurological cause where variable reward systems in apps trigger dopamine release, reinforcing the behavior. Another cause could be termed as environmental where people get hooked to compulsive scrolling because of the easy, 24/7 phone access, providing unlimited feeds. 

 Also, there is now a great social pressure for people to stay online practically indefinitely. Many now believe this is their way of connecting with others and with the world in general. What they miss to realize that such desire for connection is more a matter of self-indulgence rather than a genuine desire to reach out to others. What they actually want is to satisfy their own interests. They just use others for that purpose. 

 What can also be observed is that there appears to be low parental monitoring. Family life is greatly diminished and everyone appears to be isolating themselves in their own world making themselves vulnerable to their weaknesses and the many temptations around. 

 One kind of compulsive scrolling is what is called doomscrolling where one gets the habit of compulsively scrolling through negative news, social media posts or content even though it makes him feel anxious, stressed, or down. Because of that, one’s brain wants to stay more informed and so he would keep on scrolling for more updates. There’s actually no satisfying endpoint since each post leads to another. 

 Even worse than this is what is referred to as pornscrolling which would lead one to scroll for the next more intense or stimulating image or video. Here the dopamine spikes are stronger and more addictive than news-based dopamine. And while doomscrolling makes one anxious, pornscrolling adds shame and secrecy which increases stress and isolation. 

 Because of the terrible effects of compulsive scrolling, many people, especially the young ones, end up becoming addicts and needing urgent medical and professional interventions. No wonder that we can observe a spurt of cases of mental illness nowadays. 

 What can help to control or regulate this addiction is to tell everyone to turn off notifications and keep phones out of reach for a period of time. One has to set time limits in the use of their gadgets. 

 When the urge to open them hits one, it might be a good idea to do a 2-minute alternative, like stretching, drinking water, coming up with a clear valid purpose for using the phone, etc. One should not sleep with the phone beside him. These gadgets should be charged outside the bedroom. 

 Parents should also set guidelines at home regarding the use of these gadgets. They need to monitor and limit children’s gadget use, especially during weekends and holidays. They have to teach the children how to critically evaluate content and to manage screen time. Schools and offices should set relevant policies in this regard. Perhaps some phone-free zones and times can be given. 

 On the whole, everyone should be reminded of who they really are, what the real purpose of life is, and how to make good use of time so as to relate everything in life to the ultimate goal of our life.

Working on our transformation

THE Christian vocation is fundamentally a call to transformation. Faith is not merely about accepting certain truths or observing religious practices. It is about gradually becoming the person God created us to be. 

 Created in his image and likeness, we are invited to share in his own divine life through Christ. This does not erase the distinction between Creator and creature, but it does elevate human life to a participation in God's life by grace. 

 This transformation begins with God's initiative. It is not primarily the result of human effort but of divine grace. God constantly draws each person toward himself, providing the strength needed to grow in holiness. 

 Since human nature has been weakened by sin, this journey also depends upon God's mercy, which continually restores us whenever we fall. The Christian's responsibility is therefore one of generous cooperation, receiving God's grace and allowing it to shape daily decisions and actions. 

 An essential aspect of this process is the gradual assimilation of Christ's teachings and example. This certainly requires knowing the Gospel, studying it, and reflecting on its meaning. 

 Yet understanding alone is insufficient. The truths of faith are meant to become principles that guide every aspect of life. Christian maturity is measured not simply by what one knows but by the degree to which one's thoughts, intentions, words, and actions increasingly reflect those of Christ. 

 Such interior assimilation naturally seeks expression in daily living. The Gospel is not meant to remain an abstract ideal but to become embodied in ordinary human experience. 

 Every dimension of the person—including emotions, desires, instincts, and relationships—is gradually purified and directed toward what is good. Rather than being governed solely by impulses, social pressures, or passing emotions, the Christian learns to respond according to the light of faith and the example of Christ. 

 This does not imply rejecting or suppressing our human nature. Instead, grace perfects nature by enabling it to reach its fullest purpose. Human faculties remain genuinely human, but they become increasingly ordered toward love of God and neighbor. 

 The intellect seeks truth with greater clarity, the will grows stronger in choosing the good, and the emotions gradually learn to support rather than hinder virtuous living. In this way, every aspect of life can become integrated into one's relationship with God. 

 Because this transformation unfolds within the limits of human nature, it is necessarily gradual. Growth in holiness ordinarily requires patience, perseverance, and repeated effort. It involves confronting personal weaknesses, correcting mistakes, and resisting the many influences that draw one away from God. 

 Progress is seldom linear. There are moments of advancement as well as periods of struggle. Throughout this journey, however, God remains faithful, continually offering the grace needed to persevere. 

 Recognizing this divine initiative helps maintain a balanced perspective. While the Christian is called to wholehearted effort, confidence ultimately rests not in personal ability but in God's unfailing assistance. Every genuine step toward holiness is already supported by his grace, making perseverance possible even amid difficulties. 

 This lifelong task also calls for the development of a perspective shaped by faith. Christians are invited to evaluate events, relationships, successes, and trials not merely according to natural reasoning but in the light of God's providence. Such a perspective gradually forms a contemplative outlook, one that learns to recognize God's presence and action in the ordinary circumstances of daily life. 

 The journey is undoubtedly demanding, but it corresponds to humanity's deepest calling. Through steady cooperation with grace, patient perseverance, and continual conversion, the Christian is gradually transformed into a clearer reflection of Christ. That lifelong process is not only God's gift but also the path to authentic human fulfillment.

Start with the “big picture”

MODERN life confronts us with an endless stream of concerns, decisions, opportunities, and distractions. Every day demands our attention through work, family responsibilities, social obligations, technology, and the constant flow of information. Without a stable point of reference, it becomes easy to lose perspective, allowing the urgent to overshadow what truly matters. 

 This is why the Christian's first task is not simply to manage time more efficiently but to remain firmly anchored in God, who is the beginning and the end of all things. Only from that vantage point can we properly understand ourselves, our responsibilities, and the purpose behind everything we do. 

 When God remains at the center, we acquire the "big picture" of life. We recognize that our ultimate goal is not merely professional success, financial security, or personal fulfillment, valuable as these may be. Our final destiny is communion with God. Every other objective finds its proper place only when viewed in relation to that supreme end. 

 This perspective is indispensable because the modern world constantly competes for our attention. Digital devices, social media, entertainment, advertising, and the relentless flow of news all seek immediate engagement. Even worthwhile activities can consume so much of our energy that we lose sight of why we are doing them in the first place. 

 A clear sense of purpose enables us to discern what deserves our attention and what merely demands it. Not everything that appears attractive or beneficial necessarily contributes to our true good. Some pursuits offer temporary satisfaction while quietly diverting us from what is essential. 

 Discernment therefore becomes an indispensable habit. We should regularly ask ourselves whether a particular activity helps us grow in love for God and neighbor. Does it contribute to our vocation and responsibilities? Is it essential or merely incidental? Does it possess lasting value or only temporary appeal? Such questions help distinguish what truly serves our spiritual growth from what simply occupies our time. 

 This does not mean that every distraction is harmful. Human beings need rest, recreation, and legitimate forms of relaxation. Leisure is not opposed to holiness; rightly understood, it restores our strength and enables us to fulfill our duties with renewed generosity. The challenge is to ensure that recreation remains properly ordered instead of becoming an escape from responsibility or an end in itself. 

 The greater danger arises when distractions gradually take control of our lives. Digital entertainment, online gaming, social media, and other technological innovations can become so absorbing that they foster self-centeredness, idleness, or forgetfulness of God. Their usefulness depends largely on how we use them and the place we assign them among our priorities. 

 Remaining spiritually grounded therefore requires deliberate effort. A daily examination of conscience allows us to evaluate whether our choices are leading us toward or away from our ultimate goal. 

 Monthly recollections and annual retreats provide opportunities to recover the broader perspective that daily routines often obscure. Likewise, brief moments of prayer throughout the day help restore our awareness of God's presence amid ordinary activities. 

 The Christian life is a journey toward heaven. Every journey requires periodic reassessment to ensure that one has not drifted off course. Vigilance is therefore indispensable. The principal obstacles are not only external pressures but also our own weaknesses, the attractions of the world, and the subtle temptations that seek to draw us away from God. 

 Distractions are seldom neutral. Left unchecked, they can become habits that diminish our freedom and cloud our judgment. The lasting remedy is not merely greater discipline but a deeper and more constant awareness of God's presence. Anchored in him, we can discern wisely, act responsibly, and keep every aspect of life directed toward the only goal that ultimately endures.

God always provides for our needs

THE account of the multiplication of the loaves (Mt. 14:13-21) offers an important lesson about divine providence. Faced with a large crowd in a deserted place, the disciples focused on the scarcity of available resources. Jesus, however, revealed that God's providence is not constrained by human limitations. What appeared insufficient became more than enough when entrusted to him. 

 This episode naturally encourages confidence in God's care. At the same time, it raises an important question. How should believers understand those occasions when God's help seems absent despite sincere and persistent prayer? There are moments when illness continues, difficulties remain unresolved, and suffering appears to outlast our expectations. Such experiences are neither rare nor insignificant. 

 The Gospel itself provides the proper response. Rather than turning away from God during these periods of uncertainty, Christ invites his disciples to persevere in prayer. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Mt. 7:7). 

 These words are not a guarantee that every request will be granted exactly as desired. They are an assurance that God always responds according to a wisdom that surpasses our own understanding. 

 The multiplication of the loaves therefore teaches more than God's ability to provide material necessities. It points to a deeper reality. God's primary concern is not simply to solve immediate problems but to draw people into a more profound relationship with him. Material needs are important, yet they are not the ultimate goal of divine providence. God seeks above all the spiritual good of those he loves. 

 This perspective helps explain why certain trials remain. Difficulties can become occasions for growth in faith, hope, and trust. They reveal the limits of self-sufficiency and invite greater dependence on God. While human nature naturally seeks quick solutions, grace often works through a slower process of interior purification and maturity. 

 For this reason, the Church has always encouraged frequent recourse to the sacraments, particularly Reconciliation and the Eucharist. In these encounters with Christ, believers receive the grace needed to persevere, even when external circumstances remain unchanged. 

 The sacraments remind us that God's greatest gifts are often invisible. His mercy, forgiveness, and transforming grace address needs that are ultimately more fundamental than material security. 

 The Gospel also reveals the generosity that characterizes God's love. Christ does not distribute the bread sparingly. Everyone eats until satisfied, and twelve baskets of fragments remain. 

 The abundance is deliberate. It illustrates that God's generosity cannot be measured according to human calculations. His love is never merely transactional, granted only to those who have already earned it. Instead, he continually offers mercy, patience, and opportunities for conversion, even when people respond imperfectly. 

 This same generosity establishes the pattern for Christian living. Those who have freely received God's gifts are called to share them freely with others. Charity, therefore, is not simply occasional generosity but a habitual readiness to place one's abilities, time, and resources at the service of others. Such self-giving reflects the Father's own manner of loving. 

 The multiplication of the loaves ultimately directs attention beyond the miracle itself. It invites believers to trust that God's providence is always active, even when its workings remain hidden. His care embraces both our temporal needs and, more importantly, our eternal destiny. 

 The challenge for every Christian is to remain receptive to grace, confident that God never abandons those who seek him sincerely. As faith matures, it becomes possible to recognize that God's greatest gifts are often those that transform the heart, enabling us to participate more fully in his own life and to love others with the generosity we have first received from him.