Beyond Fear

As we enter this New Year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the obstacles that keep us from our true calling. While fear often serves a practical purpose in protecting us, it can also become a barrier that distances us from the life God intends for us.

I believe the Fear of the Lord is a beautiful gift of the Holy Spirit. Rather than a source of anxiety, it is an invitation to be honest with ourselves. It guides us to reflect on our actions with love and encourages us to model our lives—our words, decisions,
and deeds—after the life of Jesus.

When fear remains unexamined, it can sometimes cloud our judgment or weigh on our hearts. These patterns of behavior are rarely random; often, they are symptoms of deeper wounds in our souls. As Pope Francis reminds us: “If I know how to use fear to understand the message it is trying to give me, then it is a help.”

Perhaps second only to pride, fear can be the root of many of our failings. For instance, traits like greed or abuse often stem from financial anxiety. Narcissism can be a response to a deep-seated fear of feeling unwanted. A fear of failure can often manifest as laziness or neglect, holding us back from trying at all.

When we fear scarcity, it can lead us toward envy, distrust, or resentment; similarly, a fear for our own safety, health, economy, or social standing can hinder loving our neighbors as ourselves and lead to prejudice or discrimination. Ultimately, even anger is often just a shield we use to protect our own vulnerability.

St. John Paul II made “Be not afraid” a guiding principle of his 26-year pontificate, viewing fear as a tactic that prevents us from following God’s will.
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Several months ago, our Liturgy & Music Minister, Dominic MacAller, shared a prayer by St. Teresa of Ávila with me that has become a constant companion:

“Nada te turbe
nada te espante
todo se pasa
Dios no se muda
la paciencia
todo lo alcanza
quien a Dios tiene
nada le falta
solo Dios basta.” 

"Let nothing disturb you
let nothing frighten you
everything passes
God does not change
patience
obtains all things
the one who has God
lacks nothing
God alone suffices.”
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​My favorite part of this poem is the phrase “Dios no se muda.” In Spanish, mudar does not refer to “alter” or “modify”; it often suggests a change of residence or moving away. To say “Dios no se muda” is a powerful reminder that when we welcome Him in the Eucharist, we receive Jesus Himself, He remains with us, and He will not “move out” or vacate our lives. He is not a guest who leaves, but our constant home.
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I find myself repeating this prayer constantly. 

As we journey together through 2026, may we all find the peace, trust, caring, and courage that allow our faith to rise above fear. May the Lord grant us the wisdom to shape our lives around welcoming Him and be truly worthy of His dwelling within our hearts.

​¡Dios no se muda!

Gabriela Rivera
Communications & Technology 

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