There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4: 18)

A man had just buried his wife. His little daughter had lost her mother. Their hearts seemed to be breaking, and loneliness engulfed them as they came home to an empty house. At bedtime the father placed the little girl’s bed near his own. Then he turned out the light and lay down. After a while, through the darkness, came the little girl’s voice, “Daddy, are you there?”

And he answered, “Yes, Dear, I’m here. Now you go to sleep.”

After a period of silence, the little voice came again, “Daddy, are you still there?”

Once again he answered patiently, “Yes, Dear, I’m still here. Now go to sleep.”

After a long period of silence her voice came again, this time more confident, “Daddy, I can’t see you, but I know you’re there.”

Social pressures, abandonment of friends or family, misunderstanding and irrational fears - we live in a world where many strange gods compete for our loyalty. But even when we are trapped by our own fears or the fears of others, let us never forget the abiding love and security we can find in our Creator, even when we can’t see God.

Holy Parent, you are always there, even though we cannot see you. Hold our hand in the midst of our dark moments.