Psalm Reflection: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - Cycle C

“Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.” - Psalm 128

What do you fear most? 

Heights? 

Public speaking? 

Enclosed spaces? 

Spiders? 

Snakes?

Death?

Whatever the phobia, think about a time you were truly afraid. Is this what the Psalmist is saying we should feel in our relationship with God? Obviously not, but the word fear used in this context can be confusing.

Instead, think of a time you were truly mystified, amazed, taken aback, or left breathless at the beauty or wonder of a place, experience, or a piece of music or art. This is what is meant in Scripture when we read about having “fear of the Lord”–it is a recognition of the power, beauty or grandeur of God. Is it the humbling feeling of looking up into the night sky and realizing how small we are in comparison to the universe. It is the knowledge that God is all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and all-present (omnipresent), and we are small, limited, ignorant, mortal creatures.

However, the Psalmist does not leave us there; he adds that we must also “walk in his ways.” It is not enough to know that God is real. We have to follow through with our actions and live in response to that truth by seeking and cultivating a vibrant, lifelong relationship with God.

Think of it this way:

Imagine that a famous celebrity contributed philanthropically to a relief effort that saved you and your families lives. You would obviously be extremely grateful. Imagine the celebrity then said that he wanted to meet you, get to know you, and make sure you had everything you needed to get back on your feet and have a fruitful life. How generous!

Would it not then be strange if all you did in response was to Google this celebrity, learn everything about them, lurk around their home, stalk and follow them around unnoticed, but never introduce yourself or build that relationship?

That is essentially what we do with God when we miss the relationship piece of our faith. We can know that God is real and that He did something incredible for us, and we can learn a lot about Him and what the Church teaches, but if we never build a relationship with Him there will always be this awkward, one-sided disconnect.

God is waiting for us and constantly pursuing us, but He will not go where He is not invited and He will not supersede our free will. We do not need to be afraid to approach Him no matter how powerful, grandiose and intelligent He is. He showed us how approachable and humble He is by coming in human likeness (Philippians 2:5-11), in the most vulnerable and approachable form possible: that of an innocent and helpless child. As we enter the Christmas season this weekend and celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family this Sunday, recognize that we worship a God who, without hesitation, stepped off his throne of power, cast aside His crown of glory, and gave up everything to give us everything in return.

That is a God we need not fear. That is a God who should spark wonder and awe in our hearts, inspiring us to follow Him wherever He leads us. To be disciples who act on faith, and not simply stalkers who know He is real but do nothing about it.

Our deepest relationships often come out of experiences of vulnerability when we feel comfortable enough to share something deeply personal or when someone does so with us. Jesus has already shared everything with us, he was brought low out of love for us and gave us His entire self in an act of sacrificial love. This week, make some offering of yourself in return. Open up to God in prayer. Share your true and honest feelings, worries, hopes, fears and emotions. Imagine the Lord is next to you as you pray, listening and receiving you as a loving friend, and do not worry because (*spoiler alert*) He knows it all already. You have nothing to fear or lose, and everything to gain.

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt