Painful statistics

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

In psychology, anxiety is defined as an unpleasant emotional state characterized by feelings of tension, worry, constraint, and anticipation of danger. It can be a short-term state, but it can also persist longer, affecting a person's functioning, and in extreme cases leading to anxiety disorders.

In Poland, as Christians, we don't have major reasons to be afraid. But in countries like North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Pakistan, Iran, or Afghanistan, about 5,000 Christians die each year. Despite these painful statistics, Jesus says today to our little flock gathered in the church that we should not be afraid. And He immediately explains why? Because your Father has been pleased to give you the heavenly kingdom.

But we certainly value the comfort of life here on earth more, and we still know very little about heaven. However, as rational and forward-thinking people, we know perfectly well that sooner or later we will have to sell our possessions. Therefore, it's better to strive here and now for this "inexhaustible treasure in heaven."

It's worth asking ourselves this question today: What is my greatest treasure? Where do I hide this treasure? Or who is this treasure for me?

Yesterday we remembered Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who at a certain moment in her life decided to sell everything and buy a special treasure, namely faith in the Person of Jesus Christ. We know that she sacrificed her family relationships for Him, and finally gave her life in the Birkenau camp. Therefore, we can call her a fulfilled and happy person, despite everything she experienced and suffered in the name of Jesus Christ.

Are we Christians who are fulfilled and happy? Perhaps we still seek treasure in something or someone else, and not in our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. This is where the source of our inner anxieties and sadness comes from. The Son of Man usually comes to a Christian by surprise and at an hour that is not fully expected. Therefore, we must always be ready to meet God not only in the heavenly kingdom, but also here on earth.

Dear Sister and dear Brother, perhaps you wonder whether Christ wants to speak to you today. So I'll tell you - yes, precisely to you, and He earnestly asks you to be a faithful and prudent Christian. In this time and place where you live. Among those people you meet daily. These are truly your brothers and sisters, to whom you should distribute and offer your life in order to be a happy person. Don't say in your heart that you lack Jesus' presence, because perhaps it's not He who delays in coming to you, but rather you who keep postponing giving Him your whole life.