“Let me begin with a question: Who among us here is completely worry-free?

If there is someone here who has absolutely no worries, please raise your hand. I would love to talk to you after Mass and learn your secret!

But seriously, if you are still human and sane, I would like to believe that you also have some worries in life. Parents worry about their children. Students worry about their studies. Workers worry about their jobs and finances. The elderly worry about their health. Young people worry about their future. Even priests and bishops have their own worries.

The truth is, to worry is normal and human. In fact, if we love someone deeply or care about something important, we will naturally worry about it. There is nothing wrong with that.

But there is also an unhealthy form of worrying. It is when worry begins to take over our lives. For example, some people worry so much about tomorrow that they can no longer enjoy today. Some lose sleep over problems that have not even happened yet. Others constantly imagine the worst possible outcome. They spend more time worrying about the future than living in the present.

Instead of helping us solve problems, excessive worry steals our peace, drains our energy, and weakens our trust in God. That is why today’s Gospel is so comforting.

Jesus understands people who worry. He knows that life can be difficult. He knows that people face uncertainty, suffering, rejection, and disappointment.

Notice that Jesus does not condemn those who worry. He does not say, “What is wrong with you?” Instead, He gently invites them to trust.

Three times in today’s Gospel, Jesus says: “Do not be afraid.” And He gives us good reasons why.

First, because God knows us personally.

Jesus says: “Even all the hairs of your head are counted.”

Imagine that. God does not know us merely as members of a crowd. He knows us individually. He knows our names. He knows our struggles. He knows our fears. He knows the burdens we carry that nobody else sees.

Many people feel that nobody understands what they are going through. But God does.

Second, Jesus tells us not to be afraid because God cares for us deeply.

He says: “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.”

In other words, nothing escapes God’s attention. If God notices a tiny sparrow, how much more does He notice you?

Sometimes we think our problems are too small to bring to God. But to God, nothing that concerns His children is too small.

Third, Jesus reminds us that our value comes from God’s love.

He says: “You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Many people measure their worth by their achievements, wealth, appearance, or success. But Jesus reminds us that our true worth comes from being loved by God. And when we know we are loved, we become less afraid.

My brothers and sisters, one of the most powerful ways we witness to Christ today is through trust in God. When people see someone going through difficulties yet remaining hopeful, peaceful, and faithful, they begin to wonder where that strength comes from. Trust becomes a testimony.

But how do we develop that trust?

First, pray every day.

Trust grows through relationship. The more time we spend with God, the more we learn to rely on Him.

Second, remember God’s past blessings.

Think of the many times God carried you through difficulties. The same God who was faithful yesterday remains faithful today.

Third, surrender one day at a time.

Many worries come from trying to control everything. Every morning, simply pray: “Lord, I do not know what today will bring, but I know that You will be with me.”

My dear friends, fear may visit us. Worry may knock at our door. That is part of being human. But let us not allow fear to become the master of our lives.

Today Jesus reminds us: You are known by God. You are loved by God. You are precious to God.

And because God is with you, you never walk alone.

So whenever worries begin to overwhelm you, remember the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid.” Not because life is easy, but because God is faithful.”