Fear Not 220

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect on these luminous words from the Book of Wisdom: 'In the time of their visitation the righteous will shine...' (Wisdom 3:7). Oh, how this verse fills our hearts with hope! In the Catholic tradition, it reminds us that even amidst trials and tribulations, the faithful—those who walk in God's light—will ultimately radiate His glory. It's a promise of divine vindication, where the just are not forgotten but exalted in the Lord's perfect timing. Drawing from the wisdom of the Early Church Fathers, St. Augustine echoes this sentiment in his reflections on perseverance. He writes in his 'Confessions' about the soul's journey toward God, noting how the righteous, purified like gold in the fire, emerge shining brightly in eternal light. Just as Augustine contemplated the trials that refine us, so too does this verse from Wisdom invite us to see our sufferings as a path to brilliance in Christ's presence. In our everyday lives, think of those quiet moments of faithfulness: the parent patiently guiding their children in prayer, the friend offering a listening ear during hardship, or the worker toiling with integrity in a challenging job. These acts, though they may seem hidden now, are seeds of righteousness that will one day shine forth. Perhaps you're facing your own 'visitation'—a season of doubt, loss, or uncertainty. Remember, dear friend, that God's light is already at work within you, transforming shadows into splendor. So, let us embrace this truth with joy! Fear not the trials; they are but the forge where our souls are made to gleam. Shine on, beloved in Christ, for your time of visitation draws near, and with it, the radiant dawn of God's eternal promise. May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us, that we may all shine like stars in His kingdom. Amen. #FearNot220 #218of220 #Catholic