Over 70 times in the gospels Jesus told his disciples some variant of “do not be afraid.” He knew how fear-filled their, and our, lives were/are. We are afraid of getting sick, afraid of the violence in our city, afraid that we don’t measure up, afraid that love will die. Jesus assures us that at least one love, the love that God has for us, will never die, can be relied upon, keeps us ‘safe and secure from all alarms.’ However, Jesus remains part of the Biblical tradition which sees as a virtue ‘the fear of the Lord.’ This kind fear is not terror prompting us to flee but like the motivation that prompts one to study for an exam so that you will do well.
JULY102021
By Church Staff
