October 17, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 12:1-7
Reflect on the Word //
I gazed at my cart full of groceries and felt my shoulders relax. The worry that had gripped my heart dissipated. I finally took a deep breath, and with it, felt all the racing thoughts in my mind slow down. I have been here many times before. Consumed by uncertainty and fear. Would we have enough to get by this month? A question heavy with shame. But most of all, a question that I have held on to tightly, refusing to release my grip and give it to the Lord. And yet, He shows up. He provides.
His gentle voice whispers, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 12:7). Jesus speaks these powerful words in today’s First Reading and throughout Scripture. They are a beautiful refrain. This verse sung over me from the depths of His Heart. Words that reveal His closeness. He stands beside me offering peace. Peace for every problem. It is an unshakable peace, but it requires surrender. It requires reckless abandon, as I move forward towards His embrace and proclaim that I believe in His promises. When questions arise, I see Him, calling to me, reminding me repeatedly that I have nothing to fear and that “[e]ven the hairs of [my] head have all been counted” (Luke 12:7). Doubt crumbles to mere dust. I follow His voice. I surrender.
We have nothing to fear. This is a truth that we wrestle with. In our fallen human nature, in a world full of brokenness, fear overwhelms us. Our questions overwhelm us. Uncertainty overwhelms us. But nothing overwhelms the Lord. He is with us in everything. Offering us peace. Offering us hope. Offering Himself. We have more than enough. We have the God of the universe by our side. Do not be afraid.
Relate to the Lord // What fears have been assaulting you? Tell them to Jesus. Read and pray with His words to you, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 12:7).
Leana Bowler is a wife and mother of five little ones. She is a Holy Rosary enthusiast with deep devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her love for the message of Divine Mercy led her to become a Marian Missionary of Divine Mercy. She enjoys the miracles of family life, strong coffee, and encountering others on this journey to sainthood. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and Made New: 52 Devotions for Catholic Women.
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