A good friend of mine recently had her email address “stolen” by some unknown hacker. This brought on considerable worry about other ways in which her identity might have been compromised. Of course she immediately changed her email address. But she couldn’t escape the lingering anxiety about what other facets of her personal identity might have been invaded and compromised.

Fear and anxiety are dangerous emotions which the Evil One employs to destroy a person’s self-confidence and to undermine one’s peace of soul. Such fears can undermine my relationships: “What did he mean by that remark?” “Why did she give me that strange look?” “Why wasn’t I invited to that birthday lunch?”

Into such situations Jesus offers a healthy dose of reality: “Be not afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” Whether young or old, healthy, lasting relationships strengthen our confidence to put our best selves forward, to use our time and talents creatively. We do this by calming a frantic situation, by offering perspective during a heated exchange, by bringing a healthy dose of reality to a time of stress. Jesus stands with us in the midst of life’s heavy storms…even those that only seem “heavy” in the moment. Jesus, my very best companion. Come walk with me today!

—The Jesuit prayer team from the Jesuit Community at St. Camillus in Wauwatosa, WI.