The scripture today speaks of a perfect love, free from all fear. Most of us are probably not perfected yet; most of us still probably harbour some fear or at least some doubts or reservations. Who among us has not loved imperfectly or been loved imperfectly and has not been hurt or has not injured another? Our journey through life is an apprenticeship of love for God is love and God is our final destination and our destiny. The scripture says we learn to love by loving. God remains in us if we love, no matter how imperfectly, and guides our attempts at loving, bringing our loving closer to perfection, closer to the love of the Trinity.

If we come to truly believe in the love God has for us, experience this love in our lives and begin to manifest it in our love for others then we will have no fear of any punishment. This is not to say our lives will only be blissful for a perfect love is always poured out for others. A perfect love always will lead us to the cross. And beyond the cross to the resurrection for love is stronger than death.

When caught up in the storms of life and tossed about and the miracles we've witnessed recede from the forefront of our thinking and we wonder if perhaps Jesus is a phantom, let us cling to a habit of prayer learned from Jesus, God's love dwelling among us.