FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
September 14, 2021
FEAST OF THE MOTHER OF SORROWS
September 15, 2021
14 September, 2021
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 John 4:18
Abba Father, Heavenly God, Infinite in Majesty, it is through love for us, having created us in your image and likeness, breathing your Spirit into us, creating all other things and giving us authority over them all, that you sent your Son Jesus, made incarnate for our sakes to save us. Your eternal love for us, though ignored and blasphemed upon by man, being unchangeable and righteous, uplifted us, forgave us and shone forth your glory.
Lord, you are the source of all love, you being love itself, and if we love you, it is because you loved us first. Jesus has taught us love through humility, concern, obedience to you, service and sacrifice. Such perfect love shuns fear, for where fear is, love cannot preside. We derive perfect love when we accept you as God and acknowledge you as the fountain and foundation of love, for when we love you, we are in you and you in us, for we have died to ourselves, living in Christ.
Fear is base, and as an antithesis, stifles the spirit, depressing it and thwarting its freedom. Fear is generated when through our sinfulness, we provoke your wrath, O God. By the same degree, love grows to perfection, and eliminates all negative energy around it, inducing peace and a purity of every purpose. It eradicates sinfulness and grows in spirituality and godliness, for it is a stream, flowing into our hearts from you, the ocean of inexhaustible love and mercy. if we love one another, then you, God remain in us, and your love is made complete in us, driving out fear and doubt, and deepening our faith, hope and trust, in Jesus’ Name. Amen
