Sometimes there is a misunderstanding of the word reverence. I find that people associate the word reverent with sadness, a lack of joy, seriousness. The dictionary definition for the word reverent is: “When you have great awe for someone or something, and you show it by respectfully worshiping that person, thing, deity, you are being reverent.”
My definition would be knowing with all my heart that God is God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and knowing that I am nothing without Him. I can do nothing without God and that He is worthy of all my praise, thanksgiving.
The Bible tells us multiple times to rejoice in Him. Why would God tell us this in his word if He didn’t mean it or desire it? It is a repeated command throughout the Bible. Fr. Thomas used to preach on this subject. We often associate Mary and Jesus ONLY with their sorrows, but Father Thomas believed (and so do I) that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had a happy home where they laughed and played. I really don’t think they were serious and sad all the time. It goes against God’s Word.
I think that Jesus loves it when we smile, laugh, and rejoice in Him. We can praise, worship and reverence Him with joy! That is not disrespectful.
Father Thomas had a great sense of humor. He often was able to see God’s sense of humor in daily situations which was a great gift. He laughed often, told jokes, and enjoyed puns. Father brought many souls closer to the Lord.
The Christian faith is much more attractive to non-believers if we are happy.
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say rejoice!!!” Philippians 4:4
God bless you!
Mary Ann/Mother Hen
Leave a Reply