Sirach,
Chapter 2, Verse 15-17
15 Those who fear the Lord do not disobey his words; those who love him keep his
ways. 16 Those who fear the Lord seek to please him; those
who love him are filled with his law. 17 Those who fear the Lord
prepare their hearts and humble themselves before him.
“Perfect love casts out all fear.” Many of us are conscious of our
sins and failures. The older we get, the more we become aware that we have not
measured up to what God had in mind for us from all eternity. We begin to worry
about Judgment Day. Fear. Even when
we are younger, if we have a good conscience, we worry over our sins. Remember
that God loved us so much that he sent his Son to save us. Remember that Jesus
gave his life for each of us personally. Remember that God is not like us: He
loves us with an everlasting love. We need to realize this love of God so that
it will cast out all fear from our
hearts. We must not be presumptive, but we must be appreciative.
The gospel scene
reflects a little bit of Jewish folklore. Remember the musical “Fiddler on the
Roof?” When they thought a ghost appeared, they shouted and screamed to drive
the ghost away. This is what happens in the gospel: The disciples thought that
Jesus was a ghost. They were terrified and cried out: This means that the
screamed and shouted in order to drive the ghost away. But Jesus says, “Do not
be afraid; it is I!” Jesus is always
with us. We may not see him or feel him, but he is always present to help us
through the storms of life. Do not be afraid.
Perfect love casts out all fear![1]
I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God. (Helen Keller)
Today is the Twelfth day
of Christmas. The Twelve drummers
drumming represent the twelve points of the Apostles Creed. It is interesting to note that these 12
points are indeed pointing to the abode of God and that our Lord is the gate of
heaven.
- I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
- I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
- He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
- He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
- He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.
- He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
- He will come again to judge the living and the dead
- I believe in the Holy Spirit,
- the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
- the forgiveness of sins,
- the resurrection of the body,
- and the life everlasting.
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