Feast of St. Basil-January 2, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 15, verse 1:

¹⁵ Sometime later, the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram! I am your shield and shall give you a very great reward.

On this second day of the year let us take heart for the word (Christ) appeared to Abram and told him to not to fear the world. Abram was sore afraid because he had just been in battle with four Kings to rescue Lot his nephew and he feared retribution.

Christ is our shield against the world (the four kings east, west, north and south) and he has rewarded us the spiritual children of Abram with eternal life. Our shield is our Faith. Do you believe? Do you really believe? Think of a shield it protects the heart from the arrows of the devil-which is doubt. But notice the shield does not protect the eyes and the head unless it is raise. When doubt comes around raise your shield of Faith and after the assault lower the shield and advance using your reason and your head and eyes in faith to make a difference in the world.

In addition Proverb 2 states that he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, let us resolve to walk resolutely in integrity by using faith and reason in the battle with the world, the flesh and the devil. True integrity is being willing to lay down your life for what you hold fast as the truth without wavering. Having integrity means avoiding the sins of envy and have a true love for God creator and to love our neighbor as ourselves and our fellow humans and treat them in kindness.

Today is also the ninth day of Christmas and the nine lady’s dancing are a sign of the fruits of the Holy Spirit for those who are not afraid:  love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

For Catholics today is the Feast of St. Basil who stated, When I think of all this, I am left terrorized and swallowed up with fear that, because of fickleness of heart or preoccupation with things of no importance, I may weaken in my love of God and even become a reason of shame or disorder for Christ.