BE NOT AFRAID c 2010

John Paul II: A Portrait of God’s Beautiful Servant 

Isn’t it curious that when angelic hosts encounter man on this earthly plain, they begin with the words, “Be Not Afraid.”  They do so because the message they are about to unveil comes from the very throne of God. Mary encountered these same words when the angel of the Lord, Gabriel, came to her with the good news of Jesus’ birth.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke 1:30 (NKJV)

Be not afraid is the voice of fearlessness in a world that would have you believe otherwise.  As children of the Most High God, we also enjoy this divine favor. Such is the majesty and glorious mystery of heaven’s eternal realm. 

In October of 1978, we were formally introduced to a man that would change the face of the Catholic Church and the world as well. His name was Karol Józef Wojtyła. He would serve as Supreme Pontiff and Sovereign of Vatican City for almost 27 years. John Paul II, as the world would better know him, made the words “be not afraid,” the theme of his papacy. John Paul was a fearless leader in boldly challenging communism, in admitting the errors of the church, surviving an assassination attempt and in facing a long and debilitating illness before his death in April of 2005. His legacy was truly about hope, forgiveness and faith through the power of servanthood.

John Paul echoes the words of Christ who comforts His church with these three simple words. This portrait of God’s instrument carrying the cross of Christ before him is our own example. The power and majestic light of the cross demands our humble obedience. It is our guide that illuminates a world so full of darkness and despair. Shadows of injustice, shadows of sufferings, all must flee where its presence is applied.John Paul wisely understood a secret about fearlessness that is founded upon the proper reverence, worship, respect and humility towards Almighty God. That secret is recorded in the Psalms. 

Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. Psalm 33:8

 “Be not Afraid” is our victory cry.  First echoed from an empty tomb in Jerusalem over two thousand years ago, this cry is greater than any evil that mankind should or could ever fear if we put our complete trust and faith in God alone.  

 James Robert Kessler 

 Because of Him Art Ministry 2010 

"I seem to feel his (the late Pope John Paul II) strong hand holding mine.
I feel I can see his smiling eyes and hear his words, at this moment
particularly directed at me: 'Be Not Afraid.'" 

Excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI's
message after his first Mass celebrated as Pontiff

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