“Fear not, my child: I protect you as the apple of my eye” (Inner Word).
Undoubtedly there are many dangers that threaten us in this life, both from within and from without. In reality, nowhere are we really safe, no matter how hard we try to acquire all kinds of securities. Nor is a merely human optimism sufficient for being able to cope with the uncertainties of this earthly life. Circumstances may arise everywhere for which we had not accounted or prepared. This is why Jesus tells us in the Gospel: “In the world you will have sufferings,” and then adds: “But be of good cheer: I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).
The words of today’s reflection are intended to help us understand that our Father takes care of us at all times and in every place, so as to grant us that security which can face every circumstance that may instill fear in us. And it is not only a guarantee that is given to us from outside, but the reason for this security is the Father Himself. We are His own, and we belong to Him to such an extent that “whoever meddles with us, meddles with Him”. Everything that threatens and frightens us, the Lord has laid upon Himself.
The Father will defend us and “no one can snatch us out of His hand” (Jn 10:29). If no one would dare to snatch the cubs from a lioness who jealously watches over them, much less would it be possible to snatch the “apple of His eye” from the Lord’s care.
That is why we can overcome fear, knowing that we are protected and secure in all situations. When this fear arises in us, we must counteract it by invoking the Lord and remembering the many healing words that God offers us in Sacred Scripture. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind all that helps us to find our security in God.
Each victory over fear will make us more certain that we live under the loving gaze of our Father, and will help us to spend the time of our fleeting earthly life anchored where no one can “steal, kill or destroy” (Jn 10:10). For God protects us as the apple of His eye!