January 9.    Having completed his paramedic studies and qualified Jason knew he was ready to get to work, but still found himself quite fearful.   “I know we have trained and practiced but what happens if I come across a serious accident and it is up to me to save an injured person’s life, will I be able to do what has to be done?”  All the young people that had studied fields of law or teaching were looking forward to getting to work but each one also experienced some fear of being able to handle the job they had chosen that they hoped would give them joy and fulfillment too.  Fr Bruce held a short prayer service for these young people and reminded them to call on Jesus who promised to be with them always.

Scripture: God is love.  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment and he who fears is not perfected in love.  1 John 4:11-18.   Pope Francis:   Jesus is calling you and sending you forth to spread goodness in our world. His call is one of service, a summons to do good, perhaps as a physician, a mother, a teacher or a priest. Wherever you may be, you can hear his call, sending you forth to carry out that mission. It is part of our being friends with him. For this friendship to mature, however, it is up to you to let him send you forth on a mission and to carry it out confidently, generously, freely and fearlessly. If you stay trapped in your own comfort zone, you will never really find security; doubts and fears, sorrow and anxiety will always loom on the horizon. Those who do not carry out their mission on this earth will find not happiness, but disappointment. Never forget that Jesus is at your side at every step of the way. He will not cast you into the abyss, or leave you to your own devices. He will always be there to encourage and accompany you. He has promised, and he will do it: “For I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).   DN 213    Pray:  Let us ask for the grace to grow in trust and never to be afraid to respond to our calling. Choose appropriate action.