Sr. Judy: Anxious? Look to St. Paul for tips

This year, Kids’ Clarion is asking someone from the Archdiocese of New Orleans to reflect on a reading or Gospel that will be proclaimed at an upcoming Sunday Mass. In our first installment of this series, Marianite Sister Judith Gomila – affectionately known as “Sister Judy” – reflects on the second reading for Masses on Oct. 4: Philippians 4: 6-9. The text of that Scripture is below, followed by Sister Judy's examination of St. Paul's message – which will resonate with “kids” of all ages.

“Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.“

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So what’s St. Paul saying? Let’s break it down.

Have no anxiety. A-N-X-I-E-T-Y? Hmmm ... worry or fear. Think about that for a minute.

Anxiety is not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable: There’s a big test coming up; the talk about COVID-19 and social distancing; hearing people tell hurricane stories; dealing with bullies at school – or wondering if there will even be school in classrooms or at home.

Even hobbies can cause anxiety. Video games such as Mindcraft could have you hiding in a hole in the ground waiting for the “monsters” to go away.

What kind of things upset you?

Our body might show anxiety with sweaty hands, teary eyes, butterflies in the tummy or other things. How does it feel when you are upset or anxious?

Actually, worry or fear is not always bad. It can help protect us from real danger.

I was a missionary in Alaska for many years. In isolated villages, the black bears (which climb trees and are strong swimmers) could be a threat, especially if you somehow came between a mama bear and her cub. A mama bear that’s maybe 500 pounds will run after you as fast as 30 mph! I soon learned to be a bit fearful and therefore very cautious when cutting through wooded areas.

Worry or anxiety can also motivate you to prepare and to do your best: study for a science test; practice for a soccer game; rehearse for a dance or piano recital.

But if you read St. Paul’s letter, he gives an instruction: “Don’t worry about anything,” and here’s why: because if you take everything to prayer, you can always ask God to help you with what’s bothering you. Sharing your worries with a loving God in prayer says, “We’ve got this! Jesus is on my team.” And guess what? That will give us a sense of peace.

Now, we are talking about an inner feeling of peace – not stopping a war or breaking up a fight among siblings. Genuine personal peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, an inner calm even when things around us are unsettling.

So, let’s “tune into” the list of tips St. Paul gives us in this Scripture for finding that inner peace: Focus on the true, the honorable, the just, the pure, the lovely, the gracious, the excellent, on things worthy of praise. These are the qualities of a Superhero Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ.

With prayers of thanksgiving, count on these qualities and recognize the God of Peace in the people around you and within your very self! That inner peace can free you of any Anxiety Monsters!

Comments may be sent to Sister Judy at [email protected].