By Dr. Donald DeMarco, Catholic Exchange - Fear is a fundamental feature of our life. It cannot be eradicated. It differs from pain insofar as it anticipates something and is not experienced directly. It is an anxiety about what might happen. Existential philosophers refer to fear as rooted in our very existence. They refer to it as “existential anxiety.” Therefore, it is normal. But how we respond to fear is another thing... When Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II, the first thing he said to his people was, “Do not be afraid.” This is all good advice, but how does one overcome fear, and what are the consequences of allowing fear to have its way?