Making An Act of Confidence to Overcome Fear
Fr. Ripperger explains how Satan tries to use our fear against us.
(View segment from 14:50 to 15:37)
When we focus on what we are afraid of, what effect can that have on us?
- We often freeze.
- We think about all the possible bad things that might happen to us.
What did Fr. Ripperger instruct us to immediately do when we feel afraid?
- We should immediately make an act of confidence in Jesus or in Our Lady.
- We can quickly turn to God and simply say: “Jesus!” (Since Jesus’ name is powerful, and it is a prayer!), or, “Jesus, I trust in You!”, or, “Jesus, protect me.”
- God promises us in the Scriptures: “The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will guard your soul. The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.” -Psalm 128
What did Jesus do when He felt the anguish of having to face the suffering of the cross?
- He immediately turned to His Father in Heaven and prayed to Him.
- He asked God to remove the suffering: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me.”-Luke 22:42
- Then Jesus said: “Still, not My will but Yours be done.”
Did God answer Jesus' prayer?
- Yes!
- Jesus wanted God’s Will, and God willed that Jesus should go through the suffering of the cross.
- However, God also sent help to Jesus! The next line in Luke 22:43 reads: “And to strengthen Him, an angel from Heaven appeared to Him.”
- Isn’t that amazing?
Will God always answer your prayer for help so that you can face your fears and sufferings?
- Yes!
- God will either remove the difficulty or send you the strength to endure it.
- Even when your eyes can’t see the angel beside you that God sends to protect and strengthen you, it is always there!
- You are reassured in the Bible: “You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day…for He commands His angels to have charge concerning you, to guard you wherever you go.” -Psalm 91:5,11