Often, parishioners will ask me about what Bible they should use to immerse themselves in Scripture.  It is not a simple question, as there are different versions, and sometimes these versions have unique translations.  Preparing today, I am using the Revised New Jerusalem Bible, which incorporates a highly “literary” style, while remaining faithful to Catholic Biblical standards.  Our first reading, in this translation, has these words: “After the fire, there was a light sound of silence. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then a voice came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”

Wow! What would happen if you or I became so in-tune with listening for the voice of God, the voice of our Good Shepherd, that we heard God ask us, in a quiet, still moment, “What are you doing here, Father Jim?”

I would certainly want to have a good, strong and solid answer for God. If we link this passage with our Gospel, the Apostles were terrified when they encountered a spirit – Jesus – walking on the stormy water. And Jesus says to them, “Courage! It’s Me! Don’t be afraid” Matthew 14:28).

There is such tenderness in these words. Jesus does ask us – every day – “What are you doing here?” And while we struggle sometimes to come up with an answer, Jesus is already telling us, “Don’t be afraid.”

In every moment of fear, Jesus is here. In every moment of fear, Jesus hears! Present and listening to us constantly is an apt description of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, constantly seeking us out even before we begin to seek Him. Fear restricts us, causing us to hide, or to act tentatively. Father Jacques Phillipe wrote: “Very often we feel restricted in our situation, our family, or our surroundings. But maybe the real problem lies elsewhere: in our hearts” (Interior Freedom, p. 20). This reminds me of the gentle but courageously strong words in the hymn, Hosea: “Come back to me with all your heart. Don’t let fear keep us apart.”

Never let fear allow yourself to be separated from God’s love; His love is all powerful, perfect and unchanging. Only our fear causes us to miss out on responding generously and freely to His love.  And unless we then pass that love on to others, we haven’t really loved Him.