“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine” (Isa 43:1)
The Apostle Paul exclaims: “Can anything cut us off from the love of Christ?” (Rom 8:35), and then assures us that absolutely nothing – “neither death nor life, (…) nothing already in existence and nothing still to come, nor any power, (…) nor any created thing whatever, will be able to come between us and the love of God, known to us in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 38-39).
In many ways our Heavenly Father wants us to understand that we are in His hands, that we should not be afraid of all the dangers that surround our lives, whether they come from within or from without. It is particularly important to keep this in mind when tribulations increase more and more. The Lord Himself, having announced all the calamities that would befall mankind, tells us: “When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand” (Lk 21:28).
“In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous: I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33).
The Father gives us the only true assurance, which can come only from Him. He will lead us through this time into the eternal light. He assures us that we are His, that no day, no hour, no instant passes without His love surrounding us.
But it is we who forget this so easily, allowing ourselves to be intimidated or even frightened by the various difficulties. Then we are quick to forget that God’s promises are especially valid in those moments when we are threatened. Unfortunately, we forget all too readily that “God works with those who love him, (…) and turns everything to their good” (Rom 8:28).
What will help us to deal with such situations? Let us say to our Father: “Father, I trust in you. You have called me by my name and I am yours”.