Jesus encourages us to allow our hearts to be free of anxiety. I appreciate the sentiment, but if I am honest, I can admit that I want to talk back. I want to object and assume that Jesus’ words don’t apply to my context; fear and suffering are intense, and the Good News seems scarce some days. And then I realize: The reason I feel safe enough to object to Jesus’ message is because I love him like my brother. For some reason, I have no problem bickering with my family, with those I love most. It turns out that Christ does know this era in history. Christ knows me and my troubles. He is urging me to trust him because he is close, helping me, holding me, tending to me like family.

- Sr. Julia Walsh, F.S.P.A.