Do not Let Your Hearts be Troubled or Afraid

Ab singing at her high school graduation

Today we Catholics are marching into the 5th week of Easter. Today, I read about Paul being rejected and stoned. He was cast outside of the gate to the city and left for dead. The people thought he would die. He did not; he rose, dusted himself off, and headed to the next city to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus. I also read of several marytrs in the church. Some were as current as 1996. Paul told the new disciples in order to enter the kingdom of God we have to go through many troubles. This rings true even today. People are dying for their faith in Jesus all over the globe every day. Students can we be this strong? In our culture, I fear we have become complacent. Do we really believe there is something after this life? Should we just go out and get our money's worth without thinking about what's after? When we face troubles do we become afraid? Do we cave to the culture? The more I study the more parallels I find throughout history. We are a different version of the same song. Will we be able to pull ourselves up a continue on like Paul?

Students, are you troubled and afraid in today's world? Back row I know you play the tough guy but yes there are a lot of scary things in this world. Each day I listen to the news I hear of unrest in the Middle East. I hear of people wanting to build up nuclear weapons. I hear of random murders and shootings. I hear of prejudice and hate on all sides. I get so weary of all the hate. I get so tired of everyone taking sides on this issue or that issue. There is a moral right and a wrong. Students, I stay troubled so much. Here is the lesson for today. The only way to clear my conscience and soothe my mind is to read scriptures, meditate, and pray. I give my myself and my abilities to God to use for the good. This is a very hard lesson. It is so hard not to be troubled or scared especially in the face of disease, poverty, financial failure, and last but not least death. Today think of something that troubles or scares you. Whisper a prayer for strength and endurance. Do like Paul and continue on your journey spreading the good news no just with your mouth but your actions.

Sal the Troubled Gal

Sarah Anderson Alley

Quotes of the Day:

"Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will deliniate and define you."

Thomas Jefferson