How to Triumph Over Fear - 12th Sun in Ordinary Time - Episode 31
Dr. Peter and Dr. Gerry discuss the difference between fearlessness and courage in this week’s episode of Be With the Word as well as how to grow in the virtue of courage.
Overall Takeaway
No amount of knowledge or control will help us overcome our fear, only a trust in God’s love will help us truly overcome fear. We must exercise courage, despite our feelings of fear, in order to grow in this virtue.
Key Verses from Sunday Readings
“I hear the whisperings of many:
‘Terror on every side!
Denounce! let us denounce him!’”
“O LORD of hosts, you who test the just,
who probe mind and heart,
let me witness the vengeance you take on them,
for to you I have entrusted my cause.”
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!”
“Jesus said to the Twelve:
‘Fear no one.’”
Where Catholicism Meets Psychology
Fear is a natural human response. People can do things to make their fear better or worse.
We make fear worse when we lose our sense of time and leave the present moment. We either remember bad scenarios in the past or worry about what might happen in the future. Instead, focus on the present and ask yourself, “Do I have everything I need right now?”
Knowledge, intellect, and human control doesn’t give us an increased sense of safety. Secular psychology that focuses on increasing self-confidence doesn’t work in the long run.
Instead, we have to have a primary sense of God’s love. He is our source of safety and security. Remember God knows everything that’s happening now and will happen. He’s in control.
Fearlessness is being out of touch with your own fear and not understanding of others’ fear. Courage is taking positive action in spite of feeling fear. Remember Our Lady was afraid when she was searching for Jesus in Jerusalem, and Jesus was afraid in the Garden of Gethsemane.
You have to make a choice between suppressing fear or rallying courage. Suppressing fear often leads to a shrinking “safe space” while rallying courage helps you rise to the challenge and expands your world.
Action Item
Pray and discern what you’re fearful about, ask for God’s help, and then take an action to practice courage. It could be a particular phone call you don’t want to return or a specific action you’re afraid to take. Trust in God and do what is right. Put yourself in a situation to practice courage.