During this time of crisis, English-speaking Catholic artists have come together with this message of hope. We hope you enjoy this Salt + Light Media presentation.

BE NOT AFRAID By Bob Dufford, SJ

Published by Oregon Catholic Press

Text and music © 1975, 1978, 2007, Robert J. Dufford, SJ and OCP.

All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Video produced by Salt + Light Media.

Instrumental Track: Mixed and mastered by Tom Booth Rick Modlin – piano Tom Booth – acoustic guitars, bass and synth strings Todd Chuba – percussion Performed by: Dan Schutte, John Michael Talbot, Steve Angrisano, Tom Booth, Fr. Rob Galea, Sarah Hart, Sarah Kroger, Tony Melendez, Jesse Manibusan, Susan HooKong-Taylor, Jennifer Martin, Renee Bondi, Curtis Stephan, Mark Mallett, Kitty Cleveland, Chris Bray, Nancy Bodsworth, David Wang, Bob Halligan Jr., Marie Miller, Luke Spehar, Amanda Vernon, Danielle Rose, Ken Canedo, Gretchen Harris, Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, Colleen MacAlister, Mikey Needleman, Danielle Noonan, Cooper Ray, PJ Anderson, Michael James Mette and MJM7, Lee Roessler, Lorraine Hess, Kathleen and Jesse Leblanc, Greg and Mary Walton, Tori Harris, Aly Aleigha, Rita West, Matt Lewis, Corrie-Marie, Ryan and Elizabeth Tremblay, Taylor Tripodi, Miley Azbill, Hannah Schaefer, Francesca LaRosa, John Angotti, Damaris Thillet, Ivan Diaz, Pedro Rubalcava, Anna Betancourt and Santiago Fernandez. BE NOT AFRAID By Bob Dufford, SJ (Includes the fourth verse that Bob Dufford wrote in 2007.) v1. You shall cross the barren desert but you shall not die of thirst. You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way. You shall speak your words to foreign lands and all will understand. You shall see the face of God and live. R. Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow Me and I will give you rest. v2. If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown. If you walk amidst the burning flames you shall not be harmed. If you stand before the pow'r of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you, through it all. /R v.3 Blessed are your poor for the Kingdom shall be theirs. Blest are you that weep and mourn for one day you shall laugh. And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of Me, blessed, blessed are you! /R v.4 And when the earth has turned beneath you and your voice is seldom heard. When the flood of gifts that blessed your life has long since ebbed away. When your mind is thick and hope is thin and dark is all around, I will stand beside you till the dawn. /R Published by Oregon Catholic Press

Text and music © 1975, 1978, 2007, Robert J. Dufford, SJ and OCP.

All rights reserved. Used with permission.

To learn more about the background of the song, read this article from America Magazine.