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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Wednesday after
Epiphany
St. Luke Institute
January 9, 2014
FEARLESS YOUNG +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Young folks like to sport messages on T-shirts
and decals like, “Have no fear,” “Fear
nothing”
Ø
Much of this is probably a sort of youthful
daring or flaunting an “I will never die” attitude
Ø
But every so often even such flamboyant excesses
contain a kernel of truth
Ø
Ultimately, through our faith we all should come
through to a freedom from fear and a trust which carries us far beyond the fear
of death
JESUS, JOHN &
FEAR +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Jesus tells the disciples in the wind-tossed
boat, “Take courage, it is I, do not be
afraid!”
Ø
And John tells us that genuine love has no place
for fear
Ø
“There is
no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with
punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love”
Ø
Thus the way to true and warranted fearlessness
is by learning to love perfectly
Ø
Isn’t that true w/ those we love, we experience
little or no fear
ACHIEVING LOVE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Such a great ideal understandably is not
achieved overnight
Ø
A life of prayer and the accompanying intimacy
with God are what bring us to this perfect love
Ø
Freedom from fear, John tells us, results from
love and the confidence and trust that love breeds
ALL FEAR
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Fear stalks all of us in some form or other
Ø
It keeps some indoors at night
Ø
We experience it when driving in stormy or icy
conditions this past week
Ø
It is with us when awaiting the call from the
doctor regarding the test results and what the future holds
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Let our silent time in prayer and our sharing in
this offering of Christ helps foster that love and fearlessness in each of us
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
