February 17, 2022

Ever suffered from performance anxiety? You’re not alone. The prodigiously talented Frederic Chopin confessed, “I am not at all fit for giving concerts, for the crowd intimidates me, its breath suffocates me, I feel paralyzed by its curious look, and the unknown faces make me dumb.”

The world universally operates this way: perform to be accepted. The gospel reverses the order: acceptance comes prior to any performance. And moreover, failure is more than welcome!

Before Jesus performed any miracles – or anything else in His public ministry – God said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) Through His cross and resurrection, what is true for Him is true for you. God loves you and is well pleased by you.

“O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving­-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 7 – BCP)