July 1, 2026

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

A few Sundays past, the Gospel reading at Mass described Jesus’ efforts to prepare His apostles for the challenge of building the Church, the building of our Church that would continue until you and I came along. Among other things Jesus said to them “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus knew there would be difficult times for them – times of persecutions. So, Jesus says to them, “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus wanted them to be bold and unafraid in forming communities of believers. There would be parishes formed through the centuries – parishes in every country on this planet.

On that Sunday, in my homily I decided to share with the people the story of my experience when I was learning how to snow ski. It seemed to be a good example. I didn’t take up snow skiing until I was in my thirties. In those days, in our diocese – the Diocese of Ogdensburg – many of the priests each January joined together for a ski trip to Mont Tremblant, an area north of Montreal. So, I decided to join them and take up snow skiing. I decided to join the ski school, and the others would head out to ski the mountain.

In that class, we first learned all the basics. Then, later, the instructor had each one of us take turns following right behind him – close – wherever he took us. He wanted to make us ready to ski – and to get over any fears we might have. He asked us to trust him. He knew new skiers, and he wanted us not to be afraid. I do remember that he led me to places I considered rather challenging. He certainly helped me to become more confident on my skis and not be afraid to ski freely. Gradually, I became more confident.

It proved to be a good exercise. It was the beginning of many enjoyable skiing experiences for me. Now I realize that this story was like how Jesus prepared his apostles, how the Lord continues to prepare his followers even now. Jesus encourages us all to walk with him – to walk close to him, to follow close to him trusting our Lord and conquering our fears as we bring Jesus and his message to our part of this world – as we live our Christian life. In this way, we establish a good and powerful relationship with God, walking with him, being with him. This our time to know God and to become close to our God – to love our God and to become bold enough to share with others Jesus and his message.

Now, I do know this skiing experience is not the same as finding Jesus. But I want you to know that that young instructor taught me a great deal about trusting and how to conquer fears just as Jesus teaches us. Walking with the Lord in prayer and adoration makes my faith stronger and more alive. I draw so much closer to the Lord.

That skiing experience was a rather long time ago. I still remember it well. I wonder where that instructor is now. I pray he is well and happy. His message still rings clear with me: “Don’t be afraid, you can do it.” Jesus continues to tell me, “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus wants me to be bold enough to make this a better world.

Each year on Pentecost Sunday, we again are asked to remember the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. One of those gifts is “fear of the Lord.” This is a gift for us to realize how great our God is – how amazing. The gift of fear of the Lord is to recognize the wonder and greatness of God’s presence that can infuse honesty into our relationship with God, that places us always in awe before the majesty of God. This gift also imparts an attitude of grateful wonder that God loves us and that we can actually share in His life.