Part V of a 9 Part Series
FEAR
"What on earth are you afraid of?
(Compiled by Michael T. Sullivan, MD)
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David,
a Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Lk 2:10-11)
In medical terms, “fear” is often defined as an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger, often accompanied by increased autonomic activity (increased heart rate, blood pressure and sweating). “Anxiety” is defined by an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by the same physiological signs, by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it. However, “fear” in the most general term as used in the English vernacular, and so often in the multitude of mystical gifts from God the Father, Our Lord Jesus Christ and Our Lady of Emmitsburg through Gianna Sullivan, most often implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. The moral evaluation of anxiety begins with the exercise of prudence, to discover if there are valid grounds for the apprehension. If there are not, to act on the anxiety or fail to act because of it would be a lack of trusting God’s Providence.
Fear Part V
16. Fear of Punishment
17. Fear of the Reality of Satan and Hell
18. Fear of Death
FEAR PART V...
Pope Benedict XVI Homily - The Feast of the Epiphany - Jan. 6, 2010
“What is the reason why some men see and find, while others do not? What opens the eyes and the heart? What is lacking in those who remain indifferent, in those who point out the road but do not move? We can answer: Too much self-assurance, the claim to knowing reality, the presumption of having formulated a definitive judgment on everything closes them and makes their hearts insensitive to the newness of God. They are certain of the idea that they have formed of the world and no longer let themselves be involved in the intimacy of an adventure with a God who wants to meet them. They place their confidence in themselves rather than in Him, and they do not think it possible that God could be so great as to make Himself small so as to come really close to us….What they lack is authentic humility, which is able to submit to what is greater, but also authentic courage, which leads to belief in what is truly great even if it is manifested in a helpless Baby….”
Full Pope Benedict XVI Homily, January 6, 2010...
Commentary on Popes Homily:
"Insensitivity, smugness, pretension
keep people from God, says pope"...
The Holy Father is asking why some men can see and find the Messiah in someone as weak and fragile as the Baby born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, while others cannot. However, it seems the question and answer could also apply to why so many in the Church, and especially in the Church hierarchy cannot see or find Our Lady working so relentlessly NOW at "This end of an era" throughout the world, to save her children, teaching them and pleading with them to return to God.
VATICAN February 3, 2010:
"Priests must live what they preach, avoid careerism, pope says"...
The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes - February 11
Hopefully, many of you are completing the 9-day Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes which appeared in the January 28 enewsletter. Let us join together today in the Litany of Our Lady of Lourdes. For those of you who might like to begin that Novena today and continue for the next 9 days (or hours), it is here again included below.
Litany of Our Lady of Lourdes...
Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes...
What has Our Lady of Emmitsburg previously said on this Marian feast?
“….You have seen in an instant how easily it is to lose many possessions. You have seen weather and climate changes. You have seen genocide and civil wars. You have seen illnesses in different parts of the world....Who is to say that at a moment’s glance, through hatred and greed, once again people will not turn against one another?...Every morning when you awaken, ask God the Father to breathe into you Life and the healing in your heart of any hatred or any other vice that you may have….” (OLOE Private 02-11-09)
Our Lady of Emmitsburg February 11, 2009...
Salutations of Mary
The Salutations of Mary...
Prayer to Save America
During these critical times in U.S. history as well as in salvation history, the Foundation will be including this prayer on all enewsletters.
O merciful God, we cry to Thee for pardon and for mercy.
We are an unbelieving and perverse generation.
We are disobedient, disloyal and ungrateful to Thee.
We have excluded Thee from our homes, our schools, our places of business.
We are no longer worthy to be called Thy children.
Merciful Father, spare America!
Forgive us!
Save us from the scourge we deserve.
Teach us Thy law, and move our wills to serve Thee today and everyday.
Merciful God, please spare America!
O Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Pray for us!
Pope Benedict XVI Prayer Intentions - February 2010
Join in praying daily for the February 2010 monthly intentions of our Holy Father:
General: For all scholars and intellectuals, that by means of sincere search for the truth they may arrive at an understanding of the one true God.
Mission: That the Church, aware of its own missionary identity, may strive to follow Christ faithfully and to proclaim His Gospel to all peoples.
DAILY OFFERING PRAYER - O Jesus, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.