REVERENCE THE LORD AT ALL TIMES!

Deacon Kieth Somerville

Third Sunday of Easter

"...conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning" ( 1 Pt. 1:17-21).

 A friend felt that he wasn't getting any respect from his staff. So, he put a sign outside his office door that read, "I'm the Boss." Later that day, when he returned from lunch, there was a note beside the sign that said, "Sir, your wife called, she wants her signboard back by this evening!"

Respect is something everyone deserves, or everyone has an equal claim. If one is not given respect, he or she at least expects it.

But what is respect? According to Webster’s dictionary, respect is an outward sign expressed verbally or non-verbally or both to acknowledge someone for his/her worth, achievements, good behavior, personality, abilities, and qualities.

But God is greater than anyone on Earth. God deserves not just respect but much more. He deserves our utmost respect and reverence.

So, what is reverence? Reverence is a form of respect, shown to God or someone whom we think highly of and admire. It involves a feeling of awe and wonder, deep veneration, and, in the case of God, acknowledging His presence.

 Peter calls on all Christians to live a life of reverence. Reverence for God. As Christians, we should conduct our lives in a holy manner.

And he also gives reasons for this Christian reverence.

As Christians, we must live a life of reverence because we are just "sojourners" on the Earth. Which means we have a temporary stay on Earth. Our life on Earth is short. There is a time limit for everyone. No one lives forever. Some people live thirty or forty and fifty years. If we are strong and healthy, we may live to be eighty or even ninety. Some even live to be a hundred. But it doesn't matter how long we live; we all will eventually die.

Therefore, it is important that we not only become aware of where we are but also of where we are going. We are going back to the heavenly home. We are going back to God. To God, of whom we belong, and to Him we return.

As Christians, we must live a life of reverence because God is a righteous judge who judges everyone impartially according to their works. One might ask, "Are we not saved by faith?" Yes, we are. We are saved by faith but judged by our works.

James (2:26) reminds us that faith without works is dead. Our works will be judged, not to determine our eternal destiny but to determine our rewards in heaven.

As Christians, we must treat other people with respect by controlling our tongue, showing patience, and loving others around us. We must take the time every day to acknowledge the presence of Our  Lord in Savior, Jesus Christ, in our lives, and make every effort to live out a true and holy life.

As Christians, we must live a life of reverence because of our own redemption from sin, which has cost the life and death of Jesus Christ.

We cannot call ourselves Christians and not have reverence for God. Reverence should be the basis of how we relate with or to God, both alone and when we are with others, to learn the scriptures, to pray, and worship Him.

But, we often fail to revere him, to adore Him and worship Him with deep respect, admiration, high-esteem, and sincere humility and obedience. We often love to glorify ourselves rather than glorify God. We get so obsessed with ourselves, our desires and achievements, and become so bogged down with life's cares that we forget that we exist to glorify God. We forget that God is in control of the moment, of our conversation, or of our works.

Reverence brings rewards. The Lord honors those who honor Him. God honors those who do as they are told, who believe and live a Christ-like life. Today, our Lord wants us to choose to honor Him so that He can bless us abundantly and honor us among so many blessed Christian friends. Amen

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Lk. 24:32)

Author: Deacon Keith Somerville, Sr. He is the son of the late Deacon John Somerville and the late Audrey Somerville; both were very active in the Archdiocese of Washington. Deacon Keith is one of 14 in a family of 4 girls and 10 boys.

Deacon Keith was ordained in June 2015 in the Archdiocese of Washington. He was first assigned to his childhood parish, St. Margaret of Scotland in Seat Pleasant, and since July 2022, he has been assigned to Mount Calvary Catholic Church.

Deacon Keith and "Deacon Dad," the late Deacon John Somerville

Deacon Keith is the nephew of the late Deacon James Somerville (who was assigned at St. Joseph, Morganza in St. Mary’s County) and the late Deacon Joseph Somerville Sr. (who was assigned at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Washington DC). Deacon James, John, and Joseph were the first three brothers in the country to be ordained Catholic Deacons.

Deacon Keith and his wife, Dr. Karen Somerville, have been married for 20 years, and they have been blessed with two beautiful children: Son, Keith Jr., and daughter, Karlena.