RBWords

     "Fear" is a word with many meanings, depending on the particular context in which it is used.  Generally, it is apprehension in the face of possible loss.  For survival's sake, we and most of the animal kingdom are "hard-wired" for fear!  We teach our young ones to fear certain things so that they will not get hurt.  So, certain kinds of fear have a positive value.  Others, like "phobias," (fear of heights, flying, dogs) seem to deprive us of certain enjoyable things.  Still others are based on superstitions, like the fear the disciples experience when they see Jesus walking on the water.  They thought he was a ghost! [cf. today's gospel scripture].  

     We are still taught that one of the "gifts" of the Holy Spirit is "fear of the Lord."  This is not the kind of fear that is traditionally expressed in the Act of Contrition when we say, "I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell!"  Rather this gift is one of awe and reverence in the presence of something greater than ourselves, like standing in front of the Grand Canyon or the Pacific Ocean, but multiplied way beyond.  

     The Letter of John reminds us that it is difficult to truly love someone we are afraid of.  A child or even an adult who is caught in an abusive relationship with a parent or spouse knows this conflict.  But God is not abusive and invites us to experience divine love.  The "pains of hell" are nothing more than depriving ourselves by our own sinfulness of that experience.  Love of God, however, is not simply avoiding sin.  Rather we bring our own selves to the relationship with God (or a friend or spouse) as a gift and receive a great gift in return.  AMEN