Fear

Fear is a foundational human emotion, especially important when discerning evil.

Jesus helps us to sort through false fears and true fears:

John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him’ (Mark 9).

Jesus says, ‘Forget it. Anyone who is not against us is for us.’ Rather, let’s identify true fears:

Anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck.

A lot is at stake.

Jesus goes on to warn us that if our foot or hand causes us to sin, cut it off. If our eye causes us to sin, tear it out:

Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out.

Reluctance to identify evil is not healthy or helpful.

We must be guided by the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes.

Eternal life is too important.

Amen.