Operating out of fear

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Like you, I awoke to the news that the United States took the first steps toward war with Iran. I found the news devastating.

Then I opened today's gospel reading and, wouldn't you know it, it was Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 43-48 on loving our enemies!

What Jesus teaches us in those verses, and the ones before them on retaliation, is an exact contradiction to today's military actions. Be sure to take some time to reflect on these passages as soon as you can.

What always come to my mind in situations like this is two things. 

First, I feel great sorrow for the innocent people who will die (as well as our troops.) I think about how killing does not solve problems, even though the myth that it somehow will continues to thrive.

Second, the word fear comes to mind. The actions that the United States took today rest soundly on fear. I'm not saying the fear is irrational, but when our killing actions are the result of the fear of some future, potential danger, they are misguided.

How would your life work if you operated out of the fear of potential danger? 

Think about it. 

As it says in 1 John 4:18:

 "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."

Let us pray for our leaders, for moral decision-making and for a return to confidence in God. 

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy 

 

 

 

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