These are uncertain times. Global fears are on the rise.

The fighting between Iran and Israel continues. Now the United States is involved. There are many opinions about whether or not the involvement of America is aiding peace or escalating war. Some claim the strikes were necessary to protect against nuclear attacks. Others state it has brought the world to the cusp of possible global war. Regardless of opinion, major U.S. cities have increased police presence in anticipation of possible retaliation. The world appears to be on heightened alert about what will come next.

On Sunday, Russia spoke in frightening terms in response to the U.S. airstrikes.

“The enrichment of nuclear material — and now we can say it outright, the future production of nuclear weapons — will continue,” Dmitry Medvedev, now the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, said in a Sunday X post. “A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads,” Medvedev also noted.

Amid all this news, Pope Leo XIV addressed the world in the Sunday Angelus address just hours after America launched airstrikes on Iran. He called for “diplomacy to silence the weapons” because “war does not solve problems … it amplifies them.”

These should not be construed as words of a pacifist. The Church does believe in defending oneself against unjust oppressors. They are also not the words of a naive Churchman. If our faith is true, it must impact every aspect of our lives. If God is real, and Jesus is God who defeated death itself, then how we carry ourselves and act in the world must be rooted in those truths.

Turning to one’s faith during such times is not childish or silly. Leaning into faith during such times reminds us of what is most lasting, and it reminds us that we need God for everything in life. It shows us that there is very little that we are in complete control of. Dismissing words of faith in wartime as “out of touch” neglects to understand and admit the humble fact that we are mortal beings in need of a Savior.

The fear of a large-scale war is rampant among Americans. News of nuclear capabilities is always scary. As we travel through such turbulent times, the most important question remains the same: Where does true peace come from? What do we do with our fear, and how do we carry on into the unknown?

We don’t have control over what the future holds. We don’t know what will happen today or tomorrow. That is true when war is imminent and when it is not. This truth reveals that the only one in control is God. True and lasting peace only comes from faith because this world is broken and fleeting.

So, we must cling to prayer. Not because we desire to wish away war as if our words of prayer to God were magic. We don’t pray to convince God to change his mind about allowing war. We pray because we know that we need to be close to the God of love who is present with us in any trial.

Pope Leo XIV’s first words after being elected were, “Peace be with you!” These were Providential words. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples in the Upper Room because they were scared. They missed him, and they didn’t know what the future held. Jesus came to them, bearing his wounds, to reveal to them that there is no future hurt or tragedy that could ever separate them from him.

As we might be fearful of the future and wondering where God is in all of this, we too must peer at the wounds of Christ. They showcase the tragedy of the human condition. They highlight that sin is real. That pain is real. That suffering impacts all of us. Jesus’ wounds show the world that human beings are capable of killing others, instead of seeing the other as unrepeatable and irreplaceable. They also implore us to trust that God is faithful and that he can redeem any circumstance.

Jesus sees our current global situation. It does not scare him. Christ sees your fear about what will happen. He knows what you are thinking and what keeps you up at night. Whether it is the concern for world peace, the illness of a loved one, your financial situation, or any other anxiety — he sees you. The answer to your healing is found in his wounds. Because his wounds show his victory over it all.

So, if you are afraid, like so many are, seek out the Divine Healer. Cling to daily prayer as the source of your peace. Because being with God — speaking to him and listening to him — is the only antidote to journeying through a tumultuous life. Whether the world is close to war or not, our fragile state remains the same.

We need daily contact with the living God. Nothing is more true than that.