In the first reading for today's Eucharistic liturgy, the Evangelist, John, has written words that may seem both strange and not noticed before: ". . . and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love" (1 John 4:18).
A normal person might react questioning the Evangelist's experience of fear and/or love. Certainly John knew how dangerous it was to travel the major roadways of his times. The story of the Good Samaritan reminds us of the fear many had to travel those roadways alone.
However, the fear John is writing about is the fear of final judgement. He is seeking to encourage communities to strengthen their love of God. If a community, John believed, has a love for God and others, then they should not have a fear of judgement.
However, there are other fears that match the worries of those who travelled those dangerous roads or even those that weigh heavily upon us today. In different circumstances we might be much like the disciples who were being battered by the waves. Personally or a loved one might be given the news that terminal cancer has invaded the body; the call comes to a working Mom that her child has been seriously injured; or the father of a large family is notified that the company he has worked for for twenty years is closing ... today. These are the waves that beat against the lives of many today. And all of these people surely ask, "Where is God now?"
What we learn from this gospel story is that we never know exactly how God's love will come to us. It could be the call from a "long lost friend." Maybe it is having the opportunity to see an extraordinary sunset. It might be the return of a "lost" son or daughter who has not been home for many years.
In all of these experiences, we will know his loving presence for us. And we will know it all the more deeply if we have been a people who care for others, who share God's love for us with others.
