By Jonathan Camiolo

 

In 1995 I was a junior in high school…now you can figure out how old I am…and I was lucky enough to get a ticket to see Pope John Paul II in Giants Stadium.  It was not a really nice day but the crowds were there despite the weather conditions.  Packed seats and a full stadium prayed and worshipped God together as Catholics.  What a powerful event to be a part of.  I remember when the pope came into the field area of the stadium and the chants began.  JP2, We Love You! JP2, We Love You!  Over and over again we chanted and then worshipped God with singing.  

 

I remember when the pope began to speak there was such silence as everyone waited for the words with great anticipation.  That day, like so many others his 25 years as pope, he said to all of us, “BE NOT AFRAID!”  I sat there is great admiration of a man that through his life has not lived in fear but had stood up for the truth and what Christ taught.  Love casts out all fear and through his love of humanity, Pope John Paul II had broken down barriers of prejudice, communism and so many more injustices.  He lived his life trusting in God.  He was a role model for me of what Christ asks each of us to be.

 

Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father and guardian, was called to trust God very much when he found out that Mary, the woman he was about to marry, was pregnant and claimed it was a miracle.  He must have been very upset.  Can you imagine?  The woman you love and care for is pregnant and you are not the father.  Wow!  I would be upset to say the least.  Despite his feelings, Joseph placed his trust in God and listened to the angel that said to still marry Mary and care for her.  The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.”  Trusting in God, he responded and became the role model for all men, fathers and even all people.  Our late Holy Father Pope John Paul II followed Joseph’s example by living fearlessly and reiterated to all of us the words of the angel – “DO NOT BE AFRAID!”

 

Think. Pray. Decide. Change.  You are loved by the Savior of the world…AMAZING!  May you be blessed over the next days.  Remember the Christmas season is 12 days long…get ready to celebrate.