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When you meet God, face to face, how will you react? Will you fall to your knees? When you do fall to your knees, will it be in fear or awe?

Is fear helpful?

It depends upon which form of fear we are speaking of. First, there is a form of fear that is contrary to faith. It’s a fear that leads us to doubt and even despair. It’s a fear that results from the attack of the evil one and others who may sin against us. This form of fear is unhealthy and must be overcome through a faith that turns to our Lord with the utmost confidence and hope.

But there is also a holy fear that is most useful and one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Recall the Proverb that says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 9:10). At a minimal level, this holy fear makes you aware of your sins and the consequences of those sins, especially serious sin. And this holy fear leads you to fear the punishment that results from sin, leading you to avoid serious sin. But the ideal form of “fear of the Lord” we must strive for is “filial fear,” which is the holy fear of a son or daughter of God. This fear is one that is grounded in a profound love of God and leaves you so filled with a wonder and awe of the glory, goodness and majesty of God that you are filled with a desire to please Him and give Him great glory with your life.

So, in that moment, first waking moments in Heaven, will you fall before God in fear of His Holy Wrath or will you fall in honor of His Mercy and Holiness?

Practice that moment now. Go to the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Fall before the mercy and love of God and know that love and mercy. Know that if you simply ask for His Mercy and love, He will give it. Then, when that moment comes in Heaven, and you fall on your knees, you will do it as a sin coming home to the Father.