Fear Not 220

May 15, 2026 Good morning, dear friends in the #FearNot220 community! As we journey through these 220 verses that remind us to cast aside fear and embrace God's unwavering love, today we arrive at verse #216 from Revelation 18:20: 'Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her.' This verse comes from the dramatic imagery of Revelation, where 'her' refers to Babylon – a symbol of worldly corruption, injustice, and all that opposes God's kingdom. It's a call to rejoice because God brings justice and vindication to His people. In a world that often feels heavy with trials, this isn't just ancient poetry; it's a profound encouragement for us right now. Think about the real-life situations we're facing in 2026. We've seen economic upheavals with inflation still biting into family budgets, making it hard for many to afford basics like housing or groceries. Global tensions persist, with conflicts in various regions leaving refugees in limbo and communities shattered. Closer to home, perhaps you're dealing with personal injustices – a workplace betrayal, a health crisis that feels unfair, or the lingering effects of the recent cyber disruptions that affected hospitals and supply chains last winter. And let's not forget the environmental challenges; wildfires and floods have displaced so many, reminding us of our planet's fragility. Yet, in the midst of these, Revelation invites us to rejoice. Not in a naive, ignore-the-pain way, but with a deep, faith-rooted joy that God sees every wrong and will set things right. Remember the stories emerging from those affected areas? Communities coming together to rebuild, strangers helping strangers – these are glimpses of heaven's victory breaking through. Just last month, we heard about the international aid breakthrough in the Middle East peace talks, a small but significant step toward healing. It's like God whispering, 'I've got this; rejoice because justice is coming.' For us as Catholics, this ties beautifully into our tradition of hope in Christ's resurrection. The saints and prophets rejoiced because they trusted in God's ultimate plan. Today, let's draw from that. If you're feeling overwhelmed by current events – maybe the ongoing debates over AI ethics that threaten jobs, or the social divisions amplified by media – pause and rejoice in small wins. Celebrate a kind act, a moment of prayer, or the beauty of creation. God avenges not with vengeance, but with love that transforms. Friends, fear not the Babylons of our time. Rejoice, for heaven is on your side, and God's justice prevails. Let's carry this verse into our day, sharing encouragement with those around us. You're not alone; we're in this together, held by a loving Father. #FearNot220 #216of220 #Catholic