Anxiety

My dear friends in Christ,

Paul addresses the Corinthians: “I should like you to be free of anxieties.” We all experience anxiety. Many people that I have talked to during the week are anxious about the Super Bowl and whether or not the Eagles will indeed be flying high. Some are anxious about the weather in Minneapolis (don’t be, the game is being played in a dome) and how they will get there if it snows. Many are worried about our country, employment, neighborhoods, the family, the future of our parish. These are all genuine concerns. Jesus was teaching with authority in the synagogue and an unclean spirit was “anxious” upon his arrival because he knew that Jesus was the Holy One of God. Jesus drives the unclean spirit out of the man and all were amazed. The fear of the future also leads to anxiety which we bring upon ourselves. Some would rather remain in the past than move into the future. Dr. William Glasser (psychology) wrote: “Focus on the present and avoid discussing the past because all human problems are caused by unsatisfying present relationships.” He explains that being disconnected from one another is the source of almost all human problems. He then gives us the seven deadly habits that ruin relationships and cause anxiety: Criticizing, Blaming, Complaining, Nagging, Threatening, Punishing, and Bribing. How much better would we be if we were Supporting, Encouraging, Listening, Accepting, Trusting, Respecting and Willing to Negotiate Differences? If we were, maybe the anxiety level would be lower.

Please visit Pope John Paul II Regional School’s Open House from 10:30 -1:00 PM on Sunday and grow with us in faith and knowledge!

May God bless you all!

Father John