Revolution of Love.com
The Forgotten Gift of the Holy Spirit: “Fear of the Lord”
by Brian
Not too long ago I read an article about Robin Williams and his appearance on the Tonight Show. During the show, he directed several derogatory comments and immoral gestures at the Catholic Church, but more specifically at the priesthood. I know this is not the first time a Hollywood star has done something like this, and I am sure it won’t be the last, but it got me thinking.
The more I reflected upon Williams’ antics, along with other known Hollywood personalities that love to berate the Catholic Church and her teachings, the more I realized how one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, namely “Holy Fear,” is woefully missing from the lives of many people today.
A great number of people including those who should know better have erased from their consciousness a genuine fear of “the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Mt. 10:28) It never ceases to amaze me that many of these people act and behave as though they will not have to answer to anyone else but themselves when they are called from this life.
The spiritual gift of “Holy Fear” focuses on loving and reverencing God. It helps us recognize God for who He is and strengthens the soul against temptation and presumption. Finally, but not least of all, this beautiful gift from the Holy Spirit grants us the grace to see how we hurt God when we offend Him through sin and indifference.
People seem to forget that when they die they will appear before God to be judged on the life they led on earth. After judgment, there are only two destinations for the soul, Heaven or Hell. Of course, it doesn’t help that so many people today, both inside and outside the Church, do not believe that God could ever send someone to Hell, even though the Gospel’s clearly state that Hell is real.
What can be learned from all this? First, that “Holy Fear” is a spiritual gift that is much needed today. Second, we should not only ask the Holy Spirit for this gift, but also ask Him to grant it to others. Third, our actions and behavior are not confined to the here and now, but go beyond it and reach Heaven. Lastly, it should remind us that God is God and we are not.
God bless.