Fear of the Lord, The Holy Spirit's First and Final Gift

Psalm 111:2-4; 6-10

Great are the works of the Lord,

    studied by all who delight in them.

Full of honour and majesty is His work,

    and His righteousness endures forever.

He has gained renown by His wonderful deeds;

    the Lord is gracious and merciful . . .

. . . He has shown his people the power of His works,

    in giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are faithful and just;

    all His precepts are trustworthy.

They are established forever and ever,

    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

He sent redemption to His people;

    He has commanded His covenant forever.

    Holy and awesome is His name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

• Fear of the Lord is not an emotion. It is the acknowledgment in word and deed that the world is in God's hands. (see the Hebrew midwives who refuse Pharoah's command to kill the newborn sons of the Jews). 
• Fear of the Lord = filial obedience, but ≠ slavish or feudal obedience. It is the loyalty, respect, and trust a cherished son or daughter places in their parents. 
• Fear of the Lord is a marker that someone can be trusted. (See Joseph imparting to his brothers that he wishes them no harm or Jonah defending his goodness to the sailors on a stormy sea).

The Hebrew word for "fear" (yirah) actually means many things:

• Awe
• Amazement
• Astonishment
• Worship
• (But also dread or anxious anticipation)
• Linked etymologically to the word for "seeing" (ra'ah)

Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli, p. 79 - 81

"The Fear of the Lord: Joy-Filled Awe in the Presence of God"

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Give Your Gift of Piety

 This divinely given gift (piety) nourishes sentiments of profound confidence in God and His will for us. It moves us to works of mercy and compassion toward others.

Piety makes it easier for us to trust God, even when we do not understand His will. Piety opens the way for us to live our ordinary life in intimacy with God. Piety prompts us to pray. It allows us to be held in God's loving embrace. Moved by the gift of piety, we live our lives as a continual conversation with God. 

Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli, p. 73

"The Gift of Piety: True Loyalty to God and Neighbor"

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Ruth and Naomi Fight to Survive

Ruth in Boaz's Field (Oil on Canvas, 1828) 

Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld 

Psalm 119:14-20

I delight in the way of your decrees

    as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts,

    and fix my eyes on your ways.

I will delight in your statutes;

    I will not forget your word.

Deal bountifully with your servant,

    so that I may live and observe your word.

Open my eyes, so that I may behold

    wondrous things out of your law.

I live as an alien in the land;

    do not hide your commandments from me.

My soul is consumed with longing

    for your ordinances at all times.