Do not be afraid

Quite often during the past week, as the world has mourned the passing of Pope John Paul, we have heard that he used these words on more than one occasion.

Too often, these words have been used to sum up the entire teaching and legacy of the late Pontiff. On one level, this is unfortunate: as if the astounding depth and breadth and intricacy of Pope John Paul II’s thought could be reduced to a bumper sticker!

Yet these words in themselves do indeed represent an important message, especially as we hear today's Gospel (Jn. 6:16-21) and think back to our Lord’s utterance of these words on a dark and stormy lake.

It is I. Do not be afraid.

“It is I” can also be translated as “I AM” – the most basic wondrous name of God: the One who eternally IS.

When we have dark nights of the soul, if we listen, we can hear the voice of Jesus.

I AM. Do not be afraid.

When the storms of life overtake us, we listen for the voice of Jesus.

I AM. Do not be afraid.

Even as we go forward in these days of uncertainty, awaiting a new "deputy shepherd" for the Church, we hear the voice of Jesus.

I AM. Do not be afraid.

No matter what may happen to us, Christ loves us and speaks to us,

I AM. Do not be afraid.