The Fear of God

The first step of humility, then, is that a man keeps the fear of God always before his eyes (Ps35[36]:2) and never forgets it. RB80.7.10

What is the significance of fear when considered in the context of fear of God? What does the fear of God mean? What does it look and feel like? Can fear ever be experienced in a positive light?

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, one of the definitions of fear is to have a reverential awe of someone or something. This definition implies that I have an awareness of a separation between myself and the object of my awe. In looking at the fear of God, I recognize that I am not God and God is much greater than I am.

Taking this definition of fear, then, fear of God is an experience of being in wonder and awe at the magnitude of God. It is like being so aware of the immensity of love, goodness and compassion that reside within God and only being able to say WOW!!!!! or OMG!!!!! (as an expression of wonder to the point of speechlessness--rather than just as a comment).

Today, Benedict invites me to remember the great immensity of God not with trembling but with gratitude, reverence and awe. When I am honest with myself, I can readily agree that it is wonderful to recognize that God is with me in everything that I do and that God provides the necessary grace and strength needed to live well. It is when I forget and try to take back God's power that I can get into trouble.

During one of my lapses (where I was a little confused about whether God or Catherine was actually God), a friend of mine recommended a short fragment from the New Testament to remember--apart from me you can do nothing (from John 15:5). At the time I really did not find the quote particularly appealing but as I have reflected on this piece over that last few months I have come to appreciate the wisdom that is contained in those few short words. It helps me to keep my balance and perspective when I remember this line. It has also reminded me that the whole world does not necessarily depend on me.

As I look at the first step of humility today, I desire to continue living with an awareness of the fear of God.

Sr. Catherine, OSB