Word to the Wise
Friday, October 15, 2021 - Friday in the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rom 4:1-8 and Luke 12:1-7]"I tell you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows." [Luke]
OCTOBER 15 ST. TERESA OF AVILA ocd, Doctor of the Church
Two strong words in the English language have lost some of their strength by overuse in ordinary parlance: "absolutely" and "awesome." It's amusing to me to be told, when I order a sandwich or other meal at a restaurant, "Absolutely!" But "awesome" has really suffered! It seems to apply, nowadays, to anything worthwhile! The original meaning that conveys a sense of wonder and inferiority on the part of the observer is closer to what Jesus is trying to convey in his use of the word "fear." He does not mean a craven, cringing submission calculated to prevent punishment from a higher power.
Confessors are familiar with the condition of "scrupulosity" which compels some good people to go to confession every two or three days to obtain guilt relief. That guilt is connected with a "fear" of God as the great "Punisher" and the gatekeeper to hell! Jesus offers a completely different vision. God is almighty and "awesome" but as we become aware of God's might and awesome-ness, we are invited to realize that very same God loves us and knows us intimately. "Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows." Our model must be Jesus, and not some angry punishing being anxious to increase hell's population. AMEN