Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry — A Reflection
Just as a strong research paper requires a solid framework, so too does a life well-lived require guiding principles. These values, some instilled by others and some cultivated through experience, shape our daily journey. Today, September 23, the Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, a Franciscan friar renowned for his holiness and stigmata. One of Padre Pio’s most powerful messages provides a framework for navigating life’s uncertainties: “Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
In our ever-changing world, anxieties easily arise – about personal matters, work, finances, and relationships. Padre Pio’s words offer a comforting antidote to these worries. As a seminarian, I’ve found this message particularly resonant.
Entering seminary life initially brought its own set of anxieties. Leaving family, friends, and familiar comforts to embrace a new, structured environment felt daunting. However, I’ve come to realize that maturing in faith requires trusting in God’s plan. Knowing that He is orchestrating a unique story for me brings peace. I trust that He is caring for all that I’ve left behind, and that He will guide my steps forward.
Hope, or pag-asa in Filipino, is essential. Even amidst challenges and discouragement, hope provides a positive perspective. It reminds us that difficult moments are temporary and that God, our savior, will never forsake us. This reliance on God is a beautiful expression of our human need for something greater than ourselves – a source of unwavering hope.
Most importantly, there is prayer. As Henri Nouwen so eloquently stated, prayer is “the only necessary thing.” It is our direct line of communication with God, deepening our relationship with Him. In moments of weakness, God provides strength. In loneliness, He offers companionship. In inadequacy, He affirms our worth. He is always ready to listen; we need only call upon Him.
Padre Pio’s message, though simple, echoes the heart of Jesus’ teachings: that through Him, we can cultivate intimacy with God. He offers hope in despair and reassurance in uncertainty. “Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry” is a profound framework for navigating life’s journey.
As Saint Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
By Rhexelle Andrei Abdon
Rhexelle Andrei Abdon is a second-year AB Philosophy student at Saint Paul Seminary Foundation, discerning his vocation with the Society of St. Paul. He serves as the Academics Chair of the Seminarians Council.