HELP IN TIME OF NEED
Whenever we encounter trouble, let us remember that our loving God is
there with the same reassuring message: "It is I; do not be afraid."
In Genesis, God tames
the waters of chaos for creation. In Revelation, God creates a new heaven and a
new earth, and "the sea is no more." In the Gospel, on the boat and in
the middle of a strong storm, Jesus Christ ends threat and chaos to bring stillness
and peace. We, like the disciples, might ask when Jesus will come to help us in
this matter. With them, we might also ask, "Who is this?" We can say Jesus
is the healing, protecting power of our heavenly Father. In Jesus, God is with us
in turbulent times.
We are challenged in
our time with fear and with faith as well. Jesus' sleeping presence on the storm-tossed
sea reveals the sleeping faith of the disciples. They feared for their lives even
though their Master was with them in the boat. They were asleep to Jesus while He
was present to them in their time of need. You might ask yourselves these questions
today: Why am I afraid at times? Do I have a strong faith during turbulent times?
Do I recognize Jesus Christ's presence in me, especially during these challenging
times of life?
Whenever we encounter
trouble, let us remember that our loving God is there with the same reassuring message:
"It is I; do not be afraid." And may we praise Him with the words of today's
responsorial psalm: Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; He has come to His people.
Amen.