Fix Your Eyes on Things Above - Courage in a World Gone Mad

When the world feels like it’s unraveling, where do you fix your eyes?

Every headline, every protest, every crisis seems to pull us into a whirlwind of fear, outrage, and exhaustion. The battles rage on—from the war against Israel to antisemitic mobs in Western cities, from devastating natural disasters to tragic plane crashes, from political division to ongoing wars that shake the foundations of nations. It’s tempting to be consumed by it all.

Yet, the Apostle Paul gives us a different command:

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." – Colossians 3:2

This verse is not a call to ignore reality, but a reminder to anchor ourselves in the eternal. It is an invitation to see the world through God’s perspective, to stand firm in truth, and to act in faith, even when darkness seems to surround us.

A Modern Esther in a Time of Persecution

During one of history’s darkest times, Blessed Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad chose to fix her mind on things above rather than the fear and destruction around her. As the Nazis hunted down Jewish families across Rome, she did not look away. She risked everything—her safety, her convent, even her life—to shelter Jewish families from the horrors of the Holocaust.

She did not just hide them; she honored them. She encouraged them to keep their faith, respecting their Jewish traditions even as she lived out her own deep Catholic faith. Like Esther before her, she could have remained silent, but instead, she took action, embodying the very essence of God’s mercy and justice.

Truth and Consequences: The Battle Against Antisemitism

Today, we see another battle unfolding. Antisemitism is on the rise once again, from university campuses to city streets. But instead of looking the other way, leaders are beginning to take a stand.

President Trump’s expected executive order to deport pro-Hamas student activists who break the law is a bold step in the fight against antisemitism. For too long, anti-Israel hate has been tolerated under the guise of “free speech,” even when it crosses into open calls for violence. This move sends a clear message: hatred and lawlessness will not be excused.

As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to do the same. We must fix our minds on things above—on God’s justice, His mercy, and His truth—and bring them to bear on the world around us.

What Does It Mean to Fix Our Minds on Things Above?

1. Seeing Through the Lens of Eternity

   • The world is chaotic, but God is sovereign. Instead of being consumed by fear or outrage, we must view current events through the lens of His eternal plan.

2. Taking Courageous Action

   • Like Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad, like Esther, we are called to stand in the gap. Whether through prayer, advocacy, or direct support for Israel and the Jewish people, our faith must move us to action.

3. Speaking Truth Without Fear

   • The enemy wants us silent. Whether it’s antisemitism on campuses, media distortions about Israel, or the rewriting of history, deception thrives in silence. But truth must be spoken.

A Call to Prayer and Action

• Pray for wisdom and courage to speak truth in a world that often distorts it.
• Pray for the Jewish people, that they may know safety, justice, and God’s peace.
• Pray for leaders who take action against antisemitism, that they may have the strength to continue.

Fixing our minds on things above does not mean ignoring the battles of this world—it means engaging them with faith, wisdom, and God’s perspective. We are here for such a time as this.