Twenty-Seventh Thursday of Ordinary Time

Then they who fear the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened attentively; And a record book was written before him of those who fear the LORD and trust in his name. And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my own special possession, on the day I take action. And I will have compassion on them, as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.

Fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God’s wrath, but rather is about not wanting to disappoint God because we love Him and He loves us. If we fear the Lord properly, then we do good and avoid evil not for the rewards or because of the threat of punishment, but rather out of respect for God’s Will and love for our Creator. Additionally, if our fear is founded on love, then we don’t become jealous of those worldly people who do well or despair when we undergo some suffering. Instead, we trust in God’s Mercy and Justice. We understand failure and suffering in this life can be redemptive and lead to eternal life with our Heavenly Father.

Is our fear of the Lord founded on love and respect rather than dread of punishment? Are we willing to suffer in this life so that we might prosper in the next? Do we trust in God’s Mercy and Justice?

O Lord, we love you, make us yours.

Amen.