Post-feast of the Dormition; the Holy Martyr Myron (249-51)
2 Corinthians 5:10-15; Mark 1:9-15
Read 2 Corinthians 5:10-15
What exactly is the fear of the Lord? One priest writes that it is not the cringing fear of a slave but the reverential fear of children. It is to this fear that we should attain in approaching for Holy Communion—“Approach with the fear of God and with faith!” It is the same fear of which the writer of the Book of Proverbs states—the fear of the Lord is the beginning and the source of all wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). And it is in this fear of the Lord that Saint Paul always keeps the great Judgment Day before his eyes. This is why Saint Paul is encouraging the Christians in Corinth to persuade all people to repent and embrace Christ Jesus and receive His mercy, His forgiveness, and His love.
How do I fear the Lord? As a slave? As a son or daughter? Do I keep my eyes on the great Judgment Day, like Saint Paul? Do I try to exhort my family, friends, acquaintances, and others whom I meet to repent and embrace Christ Jesus? Do I repent each day?