We have the ability

Besides morning prayer and evening prayer there is also in the Liturgy of the Hours the Office of Readings. At its heart there is a scripture reading and also a reading from some key document of the Church or some saint.  This morning it is a reading from St. Basil the Great. 

He reminds us of the power that God has given each of us. 

Since we received a command to love God, we possess from the first moment of our existence an innate power and ability to love. 

It is true. All we have to do is look at the example of an infant and we see that innate desire to love and be loved. 

So how do we get from that to the angry hating voices we hear screaming around us? And more importantly, how do we find our way back? 

As that loving infant grows, we see the transformation. At some point fear enters in. Suddenly the toddler is afraid of anyone it perceives to be a stranger. Or, occasionally, you have the child who fears no one.  In this case the parent becomes afraid and teaches the child “stranger danger.” And so the battle begins. Whom do I trust? Whom do I fear?

But St. John tells us, “There is no fear in love.” And “perfect love drives out fear.” (1 Jn 4)

So if St. Basil is right, and we have the innate power and ability to love, then we also have the ability and power to not be afraid. We have the power to choose. 

But strikes me that it is also a dietary issue. Which will we consume today? Will I spend my day consuming that which draws me closer to God who is love? Or will I nurture myself on a steady diet of fear?

It is easy to distinguish.  As we read , as we watch, as we listen, which is stirred up inside us: fear or love? If it stirs up fear, turn it off.It really is that simple. Replace it with something that brings peace, joy, contentment and ultimately love of God and of other. 

We have the power and ability. Let us use it.