The word fear inadequately expresses all that this gift implies of a filial spirit and a sense of respect for God.
The child in its love for its father certainly understands not only the distance which separates them, but also the bond which unites them.
A soul possessing the gift of fear manifests a perfect recognition of its nothingness before God; it is so very clear. From this realization there springs a boundless humility, which, however, does not prevent the soul from sensing profoundly the infinite goodness of God. In the humility of such a soul there is no disquietude, no fretting over trifles, as if one were serving a carping, difficult taskmaster.
Mother de Ponconas, foundress of the reformed Bernadines in Dauphine, met one day a poor cowherd of a very rude and uncultured appearance and undertook to instruct the poor girl. Imagine her surprise when her adopted pupil asked her with tears in her eyes how one should go about finishing the Our Father, for, said she, "I have never come to the end. For more than five years now, whenever I pronounce the word Father and consider that He who is above is my Father, I weep and remain all day in that state, while watching my cows."
Hers was indeed the filial spirit.
Besides the filial spirit, the soul pliable under the guidance of the Holy Ghost is imbued with a sense of respect or rather a lively realization of the greatness of God, an intense veneration for His holy Majesty, and gratitude mingled with confusion at all His tenderness and goodness.
Practically, then, in my life, this gift of fear will reveal itself in a truly reverential attitude marked by simplicity in prayer, without scrupulosity or affectation; in calm but vital desires for the full accomplishment of the divine will, and in absolute submission to the dispositions of Providence.
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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
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