Fear Not: Walking with Christ Amidst Failure

Fr. Gabe  Cillo, MIC reminds us that the Christian journey is marked not by perfection but by continual reliance on the merciful hand of Jesus. He repeats the Gospel promise, “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28:20; NABRE), inviting us to walk beside the Savior even when we stumble. The priest emphasizes that failure is universal—“I fail all the time”—yet Christ’s invitation remains constant: “Come back to me.” This persistent love stands in stark contrast to the deceit of the devil, whom the Catechism identifies as “the father of lies” (CCC 2855).

The devil’s strategy, as Fr.Gabe outlines, is to sow despair: “Don’t look to Jesus…you’ve seen too much…He doesn’t love you.” Such lies aim to sever the believer’s relationship with the Bridegroom, replacing divine affection with self‑doubt. Scripture counters this deception: “The Lord is near to the broken‑hearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Ps 34:19; NABRE). By “putting in ear‑plugs” to silence the enemy’s voice, we create space for the Holy Spirit to speak directly to the heart (Jn 14:26; NABRE).

The Marian Fathers tradition teaches that true courage arises from trusting the love of Christ, who “never abandons his children” (Rom 8:38‑39; NABRE). In moments of anxiety, the faithful are called to recall the assurance that Christ “is with us always, even to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20; NABRE). This assurance transforms fear into faith, allowing us to embrace our imperfections as opportunities for deeper reliance on divine mercy.

May this homily inspire you to reject the devil’s lies, to silence his whispers, and to let the voice of Jesus fill your heart with peace. As we walk together, let us remember that every step, even the faltering ones, is guided by the One who loves us unconditionally.