Anxiety, Darkness & Gloom
January 20th, 2024
Introduction:
In my contemplation today, I delve into the deeper meanings behind words that often haunt our human experience: anxiety, darkness, and gloom. Anxiety, a form of fear, is a common challenge in our lives. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to rise above these feelings of unease and trepidation, trusting in the Lord to liberate us from the constraints of our human nature.
The Bible frequently addresses the theme of fear and anxiety, offering reassurance through the words of Christ. Jesus, in His teachings, emphasizes the importance of trust and faith over fear. Among the numerous instances where He encourages us not to be afraid, three examples stand out across the Gospels:
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:31). This verse reminds us of our worth in God's eyes and His attentive care for us.
In the Gospel of Mark, when Jesus calms the storm, He asks His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" (Mark 4:40). This passage highlights the connection between fear and a lack of faith, urging us to trust in God's power.
In the Gospel of Luke, as He appears to the disciples after His resurrection, Jesus says, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?" (Luke 24:38). This reassurance speaks to the peace that comes from recognizing Christ's presence and victory over death.
As followers of Christ, we are called to combat feelings of anxiety and fear with trust in the Lord. He is, as John 14:6 states, "the way, and the truth, and the life." Through Him, we find the strength to transcend the limitations of our human psyche, embracing a life of faith and trust in God's providence. In doing so, we affirm our belief in Christ's promise to defeat darkness and gloom, finding peace and hope in His eternal love.
Chapter 1: Anxiety
Anxiety manifests in various forms, affecting people in different aspects of their lives. Some experience anxiety over the state of their homes, leading to neurotic behaviors, while others feel anxious about job prospects, personal safety, or the potential for suffering. These anxieties, regardless of their specific focus, stem from our natural sense of self—a part of us that we must learn to surrender to Christ, the Holy Spirit, and God.
Anxiety, at its core, is a form of fear. It is a pointed, festering fear that can consume our thoughts, leading us down a path of negative possibilities, especially when we are not aligned with Christ and God’s divine providence. This fear can be overwhelming, but it is crucial to understand that it serves a purpose in our spiritual journey. The intense feelings associated with anxiety are challenges that we must triumph over as part of our pursuit of the Lord.
The Bible addresses the issue of anxiety and fear, offering guidance and comfort. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage encourages us to turn our anxieties over to God through prayer, promising that His peace will protect our hearts and minds.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also speaks to the issue of anxiety. In its teachings on the virtue of hope, the Catechism explains, "Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1817). This virtue of hope is a powerful antidote to anxiety, as it shifts our focus from earthly concerns to the eternal promises of Christ.
To overcome anxiety, we must cultivate a deep trust in God's plan and His providence. We must learn to let go of our fears and place them in God's hands, trusting that He will guide and protect us. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of faith and strength. By embracing hope and trust in God, we can break free from the chains of anxiety and experience the peace and joy that come from a life rooted in Christ.
Chapter 2: Darkness
Darkness, in its most literal sense, is the absence of light. When we consider this in a spiritual context, it takes on a profound meaning. Jesus is described in the Bible as "the light of the world." In the Gospel of John, this concept is beautifully articulated: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5). This verse speaks to the power and presence of Christ as a light that cannot be extinguished by darkness.
Spiritual darkness can be understood as the absence of God. It is not limited to those outside the Christian or Catholic faith; it can affect anyone, including devout believers. This darkness can manifest as atheism or any belief system that denies or ignores the presence of God. It represents a state of being where the light of Christ is absent, leaving one in the shadows of their own self and the world.
However, the darkness of spiritual separation is not a permanent state. It can be dispelled by the Holy Spirit and an openness of heart to God's divine inspiration. This absence of God can also stem from a lack of regular contemplation on His fruits and interactions in our lives. To counter this, we must actively seek the illumination of the Holy Spirit, striving to be joyful, trusting, and aware of God's great plan.
Being a light to others and serving as a conduit for God's grace is a calling for all believers. This does not mean we will never experience moments of darkness or forgetfulness of God. Rather, it is an acknowledgment that we must continually expose ourselves to His light to break free from the shadows.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses the concept of spiritual darkness in its teachings on faith. As stated in CCC 164, "Faith is a personal adherence of the whole man to God who reveals himself. It involves an assent of the intellect and will to the self-revelation God has made through his deeds and words." This adherence to God is what keeps us in His light, even in moments of darkness.
Our journey through spiritual darkness to the light of Christ is a testament to the enduring power of faith. By embracing the light of Jesus, we not only find our way out of the shadows but also become beacons of hope and guidance for others who may be struggling in their own spiritual darkness.
Chapter 3: Gloom
Gloom, characterized by an absence, despondency, sadness, or depression, is an increasingly prevalent condition in our society, particularly among the youth. With diagnoses of depression on the rise, it is crucial to explore the underlying causes of this state of gloom. One significant factor to consider is the spiritual dimension—specifically, whether the absence of God in people's lives contributes to the emergence of this "rotten fruit" of gloom. This spiritual emptiness can lead individuals further away from Christ, as they struggle to understand their human nature and remain closed off to God's healing.
To counteract gloom, exposure to light—both literally and figuratively—is essential. In a spiritual context, this light is the presence of God, His divine providence, and the teachings of the gospel. The Church, as the body of Christ, plays a vital role in spreading this light, offering hope and guidance to those enveloped in darkness. We, as members of the Church, are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to others and creating opportunities for divine intervention and healing.
Our mission is clear: we are called to spread the light of Christ to a world in need. This call to action is not only for the clergy but for all believers, including the laity. We must ask ourselves why we hesitate and what fears hold us back. The fear that contributes to gloom can be overcome, and the despair that accompanies it can be alleviated.
While factors such as diet, exercise, and medical treatment play a role in addressing depression, they alone cannot fully resolve the deep-seated sense of despair that comes from spiritual disconnection. I have never met an individual treating their depression in these ways succeed to overcome it. Like taking mud and slapping it on yourself to stop the bleeding, but festering the wound in the long term. In the opposite, I have seen dozens of those who have gotten worse in their ailment using these means without Christ. It is only through embracing the truth of the gospel and recognizing a purpose beyond ourselves that true healing and liberation from depression can occur. This understanding—that our ultimate fulfillment lies not in worldly things but in our relationship with God—is key to overcoming gloom.
As those who are strong in faith and filled with the Holy Spirit, we are called to rise up and be beacons of hope in a world overshadowed by gloom. By sharing the light of Christ and living out the gospel, we can help lift others from the depths of despair and guide them towards a life of purpose and meaning in God. Our efforts can make a profound difference, bringing the light of God's love and truth to those who are lost in the shadows, and helping to transform their gloom into joy and peace.
