It’s Worth Repeating

Our lives are filled with borrowed wisdom. We find funny, thought-provoking, or often meaningful quotes at our favorite restaurant, buried in media events, or within shared conversations. I recently heard the following on a television documentary: “I didn’t fail. I just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work.” It was Thomas Edison that embraced this philosophy as a way of life where multiple failures encountered often paved the road to eventual successes. While I agree with the sentiment shared, I’ve developed an additional perspective when considering these words through the lens of personal reflection and what I’ve witnessed.


We have all made the wrong decision at times, felt challenged, or been exposed to trials beyond our control. Most adults have felt the stress and impact of difficult choices, financial and family decisions, or health concerns. This can be daunting at times as we acknowledge our own 10,000 ways that didn’t work as we had planned or anticipated.


It takes courage, strength, and will to find hope in the midst of it all. But, we do not have to go it alone. We have a God that loves us as we are including all good things, challenges, and decisions made. In faith, we recognize this reality and become fully aware that Jesus is the source of our hope and strength. We do nonetheless require reminders from time to time.


Today’s Gospel meets our anxiety with a threefold refrain. Jesus reminds us to, “Fear no one,” to “not be afraid.” These words are not intended to imply that the world is easy to navigate or that trusting Him is always comfortable. It often takes great courage to rise above our personal trials though worry may remain. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to trust God more than any distress we face. It leads us to believe and accept that God sees, He knows, and He holds and cherishes every moment of our lives.


Jesus is offering us a relationship, one where we are never alone or feel abandoned. He calls us to not be afraid and to recognize we are precious to Him. Ultimately, the Lord asks us to include faith, hope, trust, and courage as we journey through life with Him by our side. 

Personally, I find it difficult at times to remember not to be afraid. When this feeling overwhelms my thoughts, I find a quiet place and sit with the Holy Spirit. I soon grasp once again that in faith, God is with me; He is ahead of me, bringing me hope. Working through me, God teaches me what it means to trust. And, when I need courage, He strengthens me. Then, I truly realize what Jesus means when he says: “Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Endless Blessings,

​Deacon Luc and Diana Papillon 

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