A feeling and emotion prevalent not just in America, but also in the world throughout this year is anxiety. Whether it be from work, school, financial instability, or “zoom schooling” kids, I think it is safe to say, many people are not always happy and a bit anxious every day, not knowing what the next day will bring. Although a bit of anxiety is common among some people, the detrimental uneasiness that people feel now is especially unhealthy. In the second reading, Saint Paul tells us to, “have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God,” which is something I believe many people need to hear right now. When we are fearful or anxious, we must understand God will always be here for us, and all we need to do is ask. People filled with these emotions need to remember that, when they feel like there is nothing to stop them from drowning in their multitudes of anxieties and worries, God’s hand will come and rescue them, if not in the way they expect.
Waiting for God to rescue us from our anxieties and show us our new path in life is an intimidating thing to do. In today’s world, people like answers immediately and do not like to wait for them. However, the best things come to people who wait. Waiting for God to lead us in the right direction may be difficult because when God does not answer us immediately and in a direct way, it might be hard to understand his plan and how he is helping us, especially when life is getting more problematic with more obstacles ahead. It is the obstacles God puts in front of us, though, that make us stronger people and lead us on a path to find greatness inside us. Yes, anxiety may fill us when these obstacles are put in front of us, but we need to let go of the anxiety that may fill us and remember that, without these obstacles, we would not know how to overcome future difficulties in life. We need to understand that God does not put obstacles in front of us to derail us, but to show us how to become stronger and better people. Again, in the second reading Saint Paul tells us we must “keep on doing what [we] have learned and received and heard and seen in [God]. Then the God of peace will be with [us].” When we know that God is with us, it should bring us peace and solace knowing that even when life seems too difficult to overcome, God has us in the palm of his hand at all times, even if we do not realize it, and will lead us to something much better than we could ever imagine.