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 12^TH SUNDAY, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: FEAR OF GOD VS FEAR OF MEN

(Matthew 10:26-33)

Fear is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The fear that is called Holy Fear is the fear we mean here. It is the fear of God for his infinite goodness. It is a reverential fear. It is the fear of losing the love of a beloved and not the fear of punishment. It is the fear of breaking the heart of a loved one. It is the fear of losing the trust of a lover. It is According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the gifts that help to make us docile in readily obeying divine inspirations (CCC1831)

Indeed, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Sirach 1:12) and He is happy who delights in the commands of God (psalm 112).

The background above will help us to understand why Jesus warns us against Fear of men. In his words, he said: " Have no fear of men" Going further he tells the disciples why they should not fear. Human power is limited. Humans target the body, they lure with material things. They can put an end to the body, but the spirit in you cannot die. The good in you can't die. The truth you carry cannot be silenced. The light in you cannot be put off except with your permission. The zeal in you can never be quenched. Do not be afraid to bear witness for God.

The fear of God helps you to stand on God's side always. The fear of God makes you revere God as your Father and try your hardest in love to keep His statutes. It helps you to avoid committing sin, to rather lose your life than lose God, to see no meaning in living a life that is not Christ-based. Fear of God makes us run back to God immediately we sin and say sorry. It helps us not to take God and the grace He offers us for granted.

There is something you should never be afraid of. Never be afraid of starting the mission of witnessing in your life. Never be afraid of people who try to make you lose your self-worth. You've got a spiritual identity that is so great, that should give you confidence. Fear not! You will not fall. Your Father in heaven knows your worth. Witness to God in your life. Tell yourself the truth about who you are: a product of divine will. The will of the evil one will not take place in your life.

 

ACKNOWLEDGING GOD BEFORE MEN

A lot of circumstances around us challenge us to preserve ourselves, making us unable to preach in season and out of season. Jesus maintains that we should acknowledge Him before men even when we are at risk of losing fame, good name, wealth, popularity etc. Do it for God and think of what God has to gain and not what you have to lose. The glory of the Lord and everlasting life should inspire everyone of our actions.

Thus, we are called upon to be voice of the voiceless, be able to say no to oppression, marginalization, harassments etc.

Look around you, there's a situation calling for your attention. Remove fear of man and activate fear of God in you. That person who has no one to defend needs your assistance.  Remove human respect. Help him. That's a form of witnessing.

Just check well where you work, you must see an urgent reason to stand up for the truth. When you have fear for God, you will be a doer of God's will and even under persecutions and trials, the Lord will save and deliver you. May God bless you for your determination to draw your inspiration from Him and may your persecutors be frustrated by the light from above through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

Happy Sunday (12th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh