Strong words from St. John today in our first reading from 1 John 4. St. John talks about fear. More on that in a moment. We see fear, too, come into play in our Gospel reading. In Mark 6, we see Jesus walking on the sea. When the disciples see him, they were overcome with fear, thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus says to them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” Words for us to live by.
Have you ever heard this acrostic for fear? False Evidence Appearing Real. FEAR. St. John says this about fear: “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.” We all have fears. Fear of rejection, fear of public speaking, fear of death, fear of spiders, etc. Why? We just heard it! Because we are not yet perfect in love. If we loved God perfectly, then we would truly fear nothing.
I often like to think of Mother Theresa when I think of fear and love. She ministered to the poor and sick and dying on the mean streets of Calcutta and around the world. That would scare me to death. Yet she spent her life doing this. Why? Because her great love cast out the fear. The more we love and trust God, the less we will fear. Even spiders?? I can only hope to know.
Father, forgive us for those times when our fears keep us from doing your will. Perfect our love, that our fears will be cast out. Amen.
An outstanding 60 second reflection as usual, Gus. You are tremendously missed and I have been praying for you and Michelle daily, and your children and little Roman. I am sure he is a doll baby. :)
I’m a daily listener of 8 months and although I don’t do Facebook, I have been looking both on your website here and on your facebook page. It was wonderful to hear your warm and caring voice on your Facebook page today. I’ve been missing it. I recorded the Good Morning Child of God intro music from your show on my phone, as well as the Spirit FM intro music you played (I really like that one as well, get up with Us, and Gus,and Jesus), but my recording sounds really hollow and not great quality on my phone. Please, for those of us who miss hearing your voice, consider placing a copy of both of those on your site here. I listen to my poor quality recording daily just to be encouraged.
Your compassion and caring for others as well as your willingness to help others in any way possible has been evident during the entire 8 months that I listened to your show daily. I’m so glad you have this time for yourself and Michelle, but I as well as many of us feel sad not hearing you daily. I am reading your 60 second reflections daily and am learning a lot from them, reflecting on them, and trying to put the words into action.
My husband listened to your final show and even he thinks you are amazing and talented. You have so many gifts and you have given so much of your time and life to help others. Please take this time for you and Michelle, and I have a feeling that God has many more plans for you.
I don’t listen to the replacement morning show as that host is not interesting nor engaging. Nothing against her personally, but your talent, compassion, and ability to engage others shone through (and continues to shine) like a beam of light. May God continue to bless you and your family, Gus. Thank you for all you have given us and continue to give us.
Heidi from NC