I've got your backJune 23, 2026

In the Gospel this past Sunday, Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid.” That raises an important question: Why are we so often afraid?

Fear is a very dense and limiting energy, while love exists at the higher end of the spiritual spectrum. Love and gratitude are among the highest vibrational emotions we can experience. We are called to free ourselves by choosing these higher emotions whenever possible.

On the other hand, emotions such as hatred, resentment, anger, and bitterness can keep us from growing spiritually. They weigh us down and prevent us from fully embracing God’s love.

What is our greatest fear? For many people, it is the fear of death. Yet Jesus addressed this fear directly. He told us not to be afraid of death because the spirit never dies. Ultimately, our challenge is to understand, trust, and truly believe this message from Jesus. When we do, fear loses its power over us, and we can live with greater faith, peace, and freedom.

Negative emotions often originate in the mind. When we repeatedly dwell on situations, we can begin to view them through a negative lens, sometimes interpreting them in ways that are contrary to our own best interests. We are often quick to conclude that if someone’s words or actions challenge the protective walls we have built around ourselves, they must be wrong or even threatening. As a result, we may perceive an attack where none was intended.

Positive emotions, however, arise from the heart. Emotions such as love, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, and understanding help us move beyond fear and defensiveness. When we listen with the heart rather than react solely with the mind, we become more open to growth, healing, and deeper spiritual awareness.

Fear is paralyzing. The opposite is faith and belief that all will be well. My whole Ursuline life has been affected by Mother Marie whom I only knew as an elderly sister. She was a powerhouse in her day, but what influenced me was her belief in Divine Providence. The stories that came down to me were like: A bill would arrive and Mother Marie did not have the money to pay it. So, she would have all the sisters pray and in a short time after someone would appear at their door with a donation that covered the due bill to the penny.

That sounds like a fairy tale if it were not what really happened. As a director of a nonprofit I found our organization often needing miracles. I learned more and more to rely on Divine Providence. Sometimes the way my prayers were answered surprised me. Sometimes I laughed out loud and acknowledged God’s sense of humor and recognized that when I am weak and put away resistance, I am strong.

So that brings us back to Jesus’ words in the Gospel: “Do not be not afraid ”. In modern terms: I’ve got your back.

Sister Mary Eileen Boyle