FEAR OF THE LORD

“The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.”
(Timor Domini initium sapientiae.)

Proverbs 9:10

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A special docility for subjecting oneself completely to the divine will out of reverence for the excellency and majesty of God

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TYPES OF FEAR

Mundane fear

Avoidance of temporal evil at the expense of offending God

- not good
- not a virtue
- not a gift

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Servile fear

Serves God and fulfills his divine will because of the punishment that would fall upon us if we did not do so

- good; enables us to avoid sin; directs us to God
- imperfect though; “imperfect contrition”

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Initial fear

Flees from sin as an offense against God but mixed with certain fear of punishment

- better than servile fear
- less than filial fear

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Filial fear (also called reverential fear)

Serves God, fulfills his will, flees from sin for fear of being separated from him out of love

- good
- a gift
- perfect motive (“perfect contrition”)

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OTHER BENEFITS

GIFT OF FEAR PERFECTS:

• Hope
• Temperance
• Humilty

HOPE

- the gift of fear gives us supernatural awareness of our dependence on God

- inclines us to rely only on the infinite power of God

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Temperance

- the gift of fear helps us to correct the disorderly tendency by which we experience strong attraction to carnal desires

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Humility

- the gift of fear makes the soul realize its nothingness before God and acknowledges the punishment it deserves for its offenses

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IN ADDITION

Modesty, Chastity, Meekness

The gift of fear imparts a repugnance to anything shameful; it controls disordered anger, regulates the passions

HOW TO DISPOSE YOURSELF?

Meditate frequently on the infinite grandeur and majesty of God.

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Accustom yourself to converse with God with filial confidence and reverence.

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Meditate frequently on the infinite malice of sin.

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Be meek and humble in dealing with neighbor.

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Beg frequently the Holy Spirit for the gift of reverential fear of God.

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