The Fear of the Lord and the Coin in the Fish’s Mouth

Deut 10:12-22, Psalm: 147, Mt 17:22-27

Memorial of St. Clare, Virgin

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today, on the memorial of St. Clare, we will reflect on the profound themes of the Fear of the Lord and the miraculous story of the coin in the fish’s mouth. In our lives, we often search for meaning, purpose, and guidance. We long to know what it means to truly walk with God, to love Him, and to serve Him with all our heart and soul.

In Deuteronomy, we hear a call that resonates across the ages. It speaks to our hearts, urging us to fear the Lord, to walk in His ways, to love Him, and to serve Him with all our heart and soul. This is not merely a call to obey rules or follow traditions. It is an invitation into a relationship, a covenant love that transforms us from within. The fear of the Lord is not a fear that paralyzes us. Instead, it is a holy fear, a reverentia that draws us closer to His heart.

As St. Clare said, “Place your mind in the mirror of eternity… and your soul in the splendor of glory!” (3rd Letter to Agnes). Her “holy fear” was adoration before the Eucharist. And also Pope Francis declared, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom… It is filial fear, marked by love and trust” (General Audience, June 11, 2014).

As we reflect on our lives, we must ask ourselves, have we circumcised our hearts? Have we allowed God to remove those barriers that keep us from fully embracing His love? To circumcise our hearts means to be open and receptive to God’s grace. It means letting go of our pride, our judgments, and our fears. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, to mold us into the likeness of Christ. We are reminded in Scripture to love the stranger, for we were once strangers in Egypt. This call to love is universal, transcending borders, cultures, and backgrounds. It is a call to embrace God’s impartial love, a love that sees all people as His beloved children. In this love, we find our true identity and purpose. We are called to walk in humility and compassion, reflecting the love of Christ in every interaction.

Now, let us turn our hearts to the story of the coin in the fish’s mouth. In this remarkable encounter, Jesus instructs Peter to go to the sea and cast a hook. He tells him to take the first fish that comes up and open its mouth to find a coin. This moment is not just about a miraculous provision. It is a profound lesson in faith and divine sonship. Jesus, knowing our needs and the burdens we carry, assures us that God’s providence is always at work in our lives. When Peter obeys this strange command, he experiences the miraculous. This teaches us that our willingness to trust in God can lead to unexpected blessings. We may not always understand His ways, but we can rest assured that He knows what we need, even before we ask. This is the heart of covenant love. It is a love that provides, protects, and leads us through all circumstances.

As we celebrate the life of St. Clare, let us be inspired by her example of faith and dedication to God. May we strive to embody the principles of holy fear, the circumcision of our hearts, and the call to love all, especially those who are marginalized and in need. Let us remember that in every challenge and every uncertainty, God is there, guiding us, providing for us, and loving us deeply.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, let us carry with us the fear of the Lord, the love for our neighbors, and the assurance that our God is a God of providence. Amen.