It seems that only when referring to our relationship with God are we able to speak of “fear” and being glad, blessed, joyful and happy at the same time!

That’s because fear as used in reference to God means having a profound and deep respect for Him. It has nothing to do with being afraid, except in the sense that one is afraid that something he or she does might hurt his or her beloved. For example, when a college student who is notorious for using profanity in every sentence he utters spends four hours on a Sunday afternoon with his favorite grandmother, guess how many times he curses in her presence? Did you guess: None?

Four hours of conversation and not one four letter word comes from his lips. Why? Respect, great respect. He fears hurting, disappointing, and offending this good, sweet and holy woman. He not only won’t curse in her presence, but he can’t! “No way!” He says. Think about it: How many sins in your life have you committed that you know you could not have done if you knew you mother was watching!

The gospel today speaks of very frightening realities going on now and at the end of the world like war, insurrection, earthquakes, plagues, persecution, betrayal, rejection, abandonment, wrongful imprisonment and even death. “By your perseverance, Jesus says, you will save your lives.”

That is-- persevering in faith, hope, and trust in the power, the wisdom, the goodness and the presence of God is the secret to making it through this life, not unscathed, but undeterred, undaunted, and unwavering in your respect for God.

God has earned our trust, fidelity and respect. It is now on us to pay up, and leave all other fears behind.