They woke him and said to him,
"Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
He woke up,
rebuked the wind,
and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!"
The wind ceased and there was great calm.
Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified?
Do you not yet have faith?"
Today's gospel offers many opportunities for comedy. The Lord seems to mock his disciples' terror when he asks about their faith. I can well imagine a high school or middle school skit making a fine joke of the story.
The point might be, "What's the point of having faith if it does not assure you in times of trouble? Your claim to belief in the Lord is ludicrous!"
And likewise, if you have faith you should expect to be tested. Your faith must prove finer than fire-tried gold. Saint Peter commended his readers when he learned of their rejoicing despite their trials,
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls. (I Peter 1:7-9)
But everyone experiences these trials and we're often dismayed by our fearful anxiety. We thought our faith was stronger, as if we should be 😄 when sorrows come down upon us.
It doesn't work that way. We may be calm in distress but we certainly acknowledge the hardship. We feel challenged and we know we must rely on God's goodness in the face of uncertainty. Faith remembers better times, and worse. Hope expects better times without dismissing the fear of what may come. Always we trust in God's love for us, and our love for God. That, like the Lord's sacrificial death and resurrection, cannot fail.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.