(Romans 4:1-8; Psalm 32:1B-2, 5, 11; Luke 12:1-7)
How many times do we full prey to fear? You know, the fear that robs humanity of the peace Christ offers in the present moment. The fear that causes us to “live” in the future. After all, fear is typically nothing more than a thought focused on the future combined with a belief that the future will be painful. Fear robs us of the blessings God wants to bestow upon us in the present moment – his peace, his love, his joy. No wonder the evil one wants to keep us fearful! He doesn’t want us to experience the multitudes of blessings God so deeply desires to bestow upon us right now – don’t believe the evil lies.
I know this may sound a bit esoteric; however, I believe we have the ability to create a life of happiness and wholeness when we align our heart with the heart of God – a place where fear is obliterated. This does not mean life will be easy, it does not mean we will not experience pain and heartache; no, it means we can become virtuous and our heart can become filled with love. This is much different from the New Age concept of “manifesting” and creating our dream life – there is a lot of “me” going on there. Rather, when we co-create with God, we serve others because it is about the other – our fellow brother or sister in need. We turn our life over to God, surrendering all to him, giving him control. Then what could we possible fear? God, the creator of the entire universe, most certainly has the power and ability to direct our life.
So what does God call us to do in times of trouble – when fear temps us? He calls us to turn to him and he promises to fill us with the joy of salvation. What an awesome deal my friends. We become afraid and God then promises us the joy of eternal salvation. Sign me up! And here is the good stuff for us Catholics – the secret sauce so to speak. Forgiveness. Oh how beautiful the word. God promises to cover our sins, take away our faults, to impute no guilt and to not record our sin when we but confess our faults to the Lord. Can we say Reconciliation – woohoooo!!!!! After all, Jesus told us that everything that is concealed will be revealed, all secrets will be known, all will be brought out into the light, and everything whispered will be proclaimed loud and clear. In other words, God already knows our sins my friends. He offers us Reconciliation as a means for us to draw closer to him.
Once we become renewed Jesus so beautifully directs our next steps. He warns us of the leaven of the Pharisees, an unrealistic adherence to the law. Leaven is the small, yet might substance, that causes bread to rise. The leaven of the Pharisees, akin to our modern-day religious legalists, set individuals up for failure. Not one could follow the law as they preached it. Their preaching, while they believed to be rooted in the Ten Commandments, was sterile and cold – lacking the love and compassion of God. God calls us to love and serve one another, to lighten one another’s burdens. Even Jesus broke their laws when he healed on the Sabbath. God, who knows the number of hairs on your head, God who calls you to not be afraid, God who alone offers us eternal salvation is the only one who can perfectly guide our hearts and show us the way to love more.
So the next time fear tries to steal the peace, love or joy God has for you turn inward, examine your conscience and visit your confessional. Your priest, God’ servant, will meet you there and you will become more fully aligned with the love God has for you.
Jesus – I love you!
