To fear or not to fear, that is the question. But what is fear? Is it simply a reaction that we have no control over? And if we are told not to fear, how can we adjust, if it is merely an instinctual response?

This past Sunday’s Gospel narrates the Transfiguration of Jesus in the presence of Peter, James, and John. Jesus’ appearance becomes dazzlingly brillant, He is speaking with two prophets who were from previous generations, and if that was not enough, the three disciples hear the voice of God the Father from a cloud. That’s a whole lot of stimulation packed into a short amount of time! Their senses must have been on overload! I would hazard a guess that if they were transported to this time to see how much civilization has changed, it would still pale in comparison and wonder to the Transfiguration. Their reaction was to be as humble as possible, down on the ground, most likely with their eyes closed. But Jesus taps them on the shoulder and says, “…do not be afraid.” (Mt 17:1-9)

Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, there are countless instances of the phrase, “Do not be afraid.” Yet, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is Fear of the Lord. (CCC 1831) So if fear is a gift, why are so many instructed not to be fearful? Is there a difference between fear of the Lord and being afraid? 

Fear is the human response to danger or threat and perhaps part of fear is that something could surprise us or catch us off-guard. Another aspect of fear could be that something is outside of our control. Is it any wonder then, that an interaction with the Divine — the only one who can completely remove our existence, even to our soul — would be cause for fear? You can’t run from God, He’s everywhere. It is by His love, care, and concern that we are alive today and have immortal souls that will be with Him after our earthly life is completed. Yet we are more of a danger to ourselves than God is to us! Our choices and resulting actions can lead us away from a relationship with God, which is truly the most lonely place to be.

The gift of Fear of the Lord by the Lord Himself, through the third person in the Trinity, is not meant to invoke the sense of danger or harm. Rather, it’s more about the ability to have a humble response, as the Apostles did, when we experience God in our life. For example, when we see a newborn baby wiggling ten tiny fingers and toes, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by seeing the miracle of new life; a life that is in the image and likeness of God. Depending on the relationship with the child, one may have a sense of joy, wonder, responsibility, worry, and perhaps it’s a combination of all those. With the Holy Spirit’s gift, we can transform the variety of feelings into a thankful prayer of praise offered to God. 

Fear of the Lord is not to cower and bemoan our inability to control what happens to us, but rather the ability to put everything we have into the hands of God, trusting in His ways and His timings. It is not a feeling or instinct, but a chosen reaction to be humble and thankful to God, most especially when we see the results of His handiwork in the world and in our lives.