THE WRITING OF FEAR
 Ronel L. Alijado
(LORD AND GOD JESUS, HAVE MERCY ON US!)

 Fear is good or bad. It is bad when it controls us because of lack of faith in God. We do not trust His power which can do all possibilities. Then, there is a kind of fear that is not healthy to the mind, the heart, the body, and the soul. This is caused by sins which separate us from God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, fear can be good when we do not go against the Holy will of Jesus, our God, because we honor and love Him with all our heart, mind, and spirit. We believe Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If we obey His divine commandments, we will not fall onto destruction or hell. Instead, we have true love, peace, and life.

 Many of us do not trust ourselves. Worse, we do not believe that Jesus provides in all situations. We quit because we doubt our talents and blessings that they are not enough to face all types of situations. We just think of ourselves. We forget that Jesus guides, protects, enlightens, and blesses us. We fear because we are selfish. We do not sacrifice for the love for others and for God. We should not let this thing happen. All of us must be patient, strong, brave, and optimistic that we can do it with divine assistance. Let us not forget that Jesus saves!

 Another reason we get afraid is sin. Sin has consequences. It disturbs the mind and affects the heart, the body, and the soul. The soul is dying particularly when it carries innumerable sins. They are heavy for the soul. Though the mind, the heart, and the rest of the body continue to function, it seems life does not exist. We cannot see green leaves, colorful flowers, white clouds, majestic mountains though they are all right before us. We cannot listen to laughters and the great sounds of animals though we are near them. We cannot taste the delicious flavors of food though they are in our mouth. Sins deprive us of our vital senses which give us life. We are the living dead. We dwell in loneliness,
in darkness, in pain, and in fear.

 To live means to be with Christ - Our God. We must know Him. We read The Bible. We attend the Holy Mass daily. We pray the rosary everyday. We offer novena prayers. We join church organizations and activities. We follow the Ten Commandments and His moral principles. His Holy Word becomes our living guide. We must practice acts of purity, kindness, respect, care, and love. Our fear in Him is helpful because it helps us discover the genuine understanding about life. We do not sin because we are scared to lose Him who is our life, our Lord, and our God who stays always
with us to grant us salvation here on Earth and in the next life He promises.

 Indeed, Jesus is God!