In the life of faith, one of the great callings of our lives is the art of dealing with fear. Fear is a human reality we cannot escape, and for long ages has usefully served to warn us of impending danger. Frankly, there are frightening things that really happen. Listening to fear in those moments wisely allows us to take vital, lifesaving action. At the same time, giving over to fear as the dominant motivating force in our lives can lead us to run into hiding, engage in unholy fights, or freeze dead in our tracks. How can we allow our fear to guide us to more sacred places?
Gareth Higgins grew up in Northern Ireland during the “Troubles,”, that period of violent conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Years later, long after he lived in more peaceful times, he found himself dealing with issues caused by PTSD reactions to events from his youth. Working with this, Gareth tells us in his book, How Not to Be Afraid, he realized that there was a way to allow the fear to help us tell more loving and sacred stories.
In the Christian Scriptures, the First Letter of John was written to a community in need of deeper connection with God and each other. In particular, the community’s fear was encroaching upon its loving connection. The writer of the letter wanted to be clear that in real love, there is no fear. In fact, “perfect love casts out fear.” Fear is overcome in the power of community. And as Mary Oliver wrote, when fear lifts its thumb, “We are so alive.”
We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday, as the sermon is titled “Lifting the Thumb of Fear.” It arises from I John 4: 11-21, which will be read by Sue Sgambulleri. The Chancel Choir, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us musically. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and have a time for children.
If you are new to St. Mark’s, or a long time member of our community, we look forward to connecting with you. We worship in person in the sanctuary at 10:30.