Daily Bible Reflections - May 30,2013

FEAR OF THE LORD

 

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all who dwell in the world revere him. — Psalm 33:8

 

If love is the opposite of fear, then why do we have to fear the Lord as commanded in the Bible? Sounds contradictory, huh?

       This is just one of the many curious questions I asked my cell group leader when I was still new in my first community.  No one could answer my difficult question, but I was not fazed. I learned the answer in the long run.

       “Hate is not the opposite of love,” was one of the shocking truths I learned in my second community, where I’ve committed most of my single life. Bo Sanchez preached in one of his talks that fear is the opposite of love (1 John 4:18).

       On the other hand, fear of the Lord refers to reverence — worshipping and honoring Him. So there’s nothing contradictory about my question after all.

       I thank God for showing me the answers to my questions about my Catholic faith when I was still a baby Christian. Otherwise, I could have sought answers from other religions and possibly been proselytized.

       God gave the best answer I was looking for. Ems Sy Chan (havenofleeanne@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: We may not find all the answers to our questions about the Catholic faith, but it is our duty as committed and conscientious believers to study our faith.

 

Lord, I want to fear You all the days of my life. Help me revere You in my thoughts, words and deeds.

 

St. Gregory VII, pray for us.