Feast of Saint Bernadine of Siena

Good morning. In the Gospel this morning Jesus says, ‘Don’t worry!’ He tells His Apostles that they should not let their “hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” So often we get so wrapped up in things of this world we forget that Jesus offers us a place where there are no worries, and IF we truly believe this then there is no reason to allow ourselves to become overly concerned with things of this world. So, don’t allow your hearts to be troubled, in the immortal words of Bobby McFerrin “don’t worry, be happy.” When we allow for Jesus to have a real presence in our lives there is no reason to worry. Part of our jobs as parents is to offer that same sense of peace and certainty for our children and we do this from the very beginning by providing a secure, consistent and predictable home environment. The comfort which comes from a predictable and certain relationship with one’s parents provides for a sense of trust and prevents any unnecessary worry for our children. Ways as parents we eliminate any needless worrying for our children is through providing a consistent and predictable home environment, and providing consistent rules and limits. Another way is through maintaining a balance for our own lives. Our children can not avoid worrying if they witness our feeling stressed, helpless or overwhelmed. And most importantly, we share our faith in Jesus, the same faith which frees us up from any needless worry. So, let not “your hearts be troubled’ ‘have faith in God.” Don’t worry, be happy. Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Bernadine of Siena.