Be Not Afraid - John McDermott

One of the most significant features of John Paul II's papacy was his battle against communism, which he conducted not only as a church leader in communist Poland, where he exhorted his fellow Poles to "Be not afraid" in their resistance to communist oppression, but also later as pope.

In a tribute to John Paul II's message promoting freedom and liberty, this hymn was sung at his beatification today. Here the hymn is sung by Celtic tenor John McDermott.

Lyrics

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 men,
and and they will understand,
You shall see the face of God and live.

Refrain:
Be not afraid,
I go before you always,
Come follow Me,
and I shall give you rest.

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.

Refrain

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!

Refrain

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