This quote from Philippians 4:6 has been running through my head a lot lately, “Have no anxiety at all,” and there are a few reasons why. Lately, I’ve found myself carrying more anxiety than usual. Part of it is my own doing. I’ve probably overcommitted a bit, and the things I’ve committed to come with tremendous responsibility. I take every commitment seriously and put a lot of pressure on myself to do everything with excellence which is why that anxiety can really mount quickly.
Musical theatre is also a big part of my life, and I’m currently involved with a production of Come From Away. It’s the true story of what happened after the events of September 11, when 38 airplanes were unexpectedly rerouted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. Overnight, the town’s population nearly doubled as thousands of stranded passengers suddenly became their guests. The story centers on incredible hospitality shown during this time, but it also portrays the stress, uncertainty, and anxiety everyone experienced. One scene keeps playing through my head: Two people who don’t speak the same language are trying to communicate in a very tense moment. One man simply points to Philippians 4:6 in his Bible: “Have no anxiety at all.” He then says, “And that’s how we started speaking the same language.”
The world we live in today gives us plenty of reasons to feel anxious. Political division, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, concerns about jobs, creativity, the environment, and so much more can leave us wondering what the future holds.
Closer to home, transition and change bring anxiety too. We are experiencing that at St. Isidore. We all loved Fr. Ron tremendously and knew his time as our shepherd would eventually come to an end. We also know that change is often necessary for continued growth, but knowing that doesn’t necessarily make it easier. For those of us who have devoted our professional lives to serving Christ, seasons like this can feel especially significant. Even so, God has a plan for our parish and for each one of us. We simply have to trust Him. He called Fr. John here for a reason, and the more I trust that, the more I feel my anxiety subsiding.
Uncertainty and change will always be part of life. But so will God. He has always been there, and He always will be. Sometimes we simply need the reminder to place our trust in Him and, as St. Paul writes, “have no anxiety at all.” Maybe that can become your mantra during these uncertain times as it has become mine.
