Fr. Patrick Briscoe, O.P., on Having No Anxiety

"Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

"A quote ascribed to St. Francis of Assisi declares, 'By the anxieties and worries of this life Satan tries to dull man's heart and make a dwelling for himself there.' The radical life of St. Francis is testimony to a heart that was truly the Lord's dwelling place. Eschewing his family's wealth, St. Francis gave his life instead totally to the Gospel. He founded a new movement in the Church grounded in poverty, prayer, and community.

"Despite not knowing what the future of his new venture would hold, St. Francis lived without anxiety. He was poor and joyful, possessing nothing and desirous of only the Lord. St. Francis' authenticity and simplicity changed the hearts of so many.

"What could St. Paul possibly mean? How can we be like St. Francis? What would it mean for us to have no anxiety?"

In a recent commentary, Father Patrick Briscoe, O.P., reflected on the words and example of SS. Paul and Francis and they can lead to freedom from anxiety.

To access Fr Patrick's complete post, please visit: 

Aleteia: Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP: What could it mean for us to have no anxiety? (1 OCT 20)