Jesus urges you to be committed to what matters despite the expense, sacrifice, or fear involved and He will take care of the rest. This was the main message of Pope Francis' Sunday Angelus address to the faithful in St. Peter's Square, in which he urged them to defy convention and not be afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.

The Holy Father opened his address by reminding the audience that Jesus tells His disciples three times in today's Gospel, "Do not be afraid." Jesus had previously warned them about the hardships they would face for the sake of the Gospel, as the Pope recalled.

Do Not Be Afraid of Criticism and Misunderstandings
The Pope noted that despite the Church having experienced both immense joy and severe persecution, this truth is still applicable today. He stated that it seems odd that although the Kingdom of God's message of peace and justice is based on brotherly kindness and forgiving one another, it yet faces opposition, violence, and persecution.

The Pope emphasized that when Jesus tells us not to be afraid, it is not because everything will be okay in the world but rather because the Father values us and will not allow anything good to be lost.

To remain faithful to the Gospel, he continued, one should not be so fearful of suffering misunderstandings and criticism, of losing reputation and financial advantages, but rather of spending one's life running after little things that do not give life any value. The Pope added that Jesus advises people to be afraid of throwing their lives away.

Important to All in The Present Times
According to the Pope, each of us should heed this warning. Even today, he claimed, not adhering to some popular models might result in ridicule or discrimination. But in reality, when we do follow this we frequently prioritize unimportant realities such as objects over people or performance above relationships.

The Pope used the example of different people to make his argument.

Parents must work to support their families, but they cannot live solely for their jobs because they need time with their children. Priests or nuns need to be dedicated to their work while also making time to spend with Jesus, lest they slip into spiritual worldliness and lose sight of who they truly were. Last but not least, young people, both men and women, who have a myriad of responsibilities and interests, but who need to meet people and achieve their huge aspirations without spending time on things that pass by and leave no lasting impression.

Abandoning Temptations That Are Worthless
Pope Francis acknowledged that all of this requires some renunciation in the face of the temptations of efficiency and consumerism, but that it is vital to avoid being enmeshed in things that are only used briefly.

The Pope claimed that upholding what matters requires a price. Going against the norm, releasing oneself from societal conditioning, and being ignored by others who "follow the wave" are costly.

But Jesus says that doesn't matter; what counts is to not sacrifice the greatest good of our lives for essentially worthless things.

The Pope then advised us to consider what we are afraid of. Is it a result of not getting what one wants, failing to meet society's expectations, facing criticism from others, or failing to please God and prioritize His Gospel?

Pope Francis concluded by pleading with the wise Virgin Mary to bestow upon us her knowledge and bravery in our decisions.