My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may you be at peace through his grace and mercy. In today’s iconic gospel, we will be drawing our attention to the theme of faith as Jesus calms not only the sea, but the terrified hearts and minds of his apostles. If we have not noticed yet, that is exactly what he is trying to do with us. As we examine our first reading also, and the faith that is spoken of in the life of Abraham, we will ask ourselves where we are to be found on the broad spectrum of faith.
Abraham was an individual in the Old Testament chosen by God for a very particular mission. He was to simply obey God, allowing himself to be led in the desert, and towards a lush and prosperous land where he would settle with his people, promised that from small beginnings he would become the father of many nations. Of course, it wasn’t in biological generation that this would happen, but in terms of the faith embraced in the hearts of God’s sons and daughters.
God sent him on a journey of faith, for he was in a continual state of “not knowing where he was to go,” as the reading so poignantly puts it.
We too, my brothers and sisters, most of the time, have no idea where we’re heading in life. Everything seems like the same old routine just playing itself out over and over again, day in and day out. We wake up, make a bit of breakfast, or fast, or splurge… we’re all different, all in this vast spectrum of well-being and faith… we go to work or to school or to ministry, do what is required of us, come back home, probably for dinner, a bit of down time, sleep and repeat. Breakfast, work, return home for dinner, downtime and sleep, and repeat. Add into that routine a bit of love from family, if we are blessed with such, and that about wraps it up. Is this the totality of life? For a lot of people, that would be a luxury. And yet, it all seems rather aimless doesn’t it? There’s gotta be more. Some will argue, “Nope, that’s it. It’s all about family man!” But, we know that faith tells us otherwise. Faith tells us we are but pilgrims in this world heading to our heavenly homeland. This is why Abraham is like our father or why they considered him such for many consecutive generations in the Old Testament—because like him who “By faith sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country,” we too are but sojourners in this world making our way home. And a lot of us don’t even know it. When we breathe our last, we will. In this reflection we’re considering that gift which is like our gps – faith.
Our Lord suffered and died for us, and in so doing gives us each the key to the gates of heaven. Without that key, heaven would be shut to us forever, like souls waiting in Limbo for the coming of the redeemer who loosens the shackles of death and conquers the wiles of the devil. We hardly think of it: he left heaven so that he could bring us to heaven. And yet, we worry about so many things. Like Martha. She had so many things on her plate, but her sister Mary (most likely Mary Magdalene), chose what Jesus called “the one thing necessary” – spending time with him – he who tells us over and over again to not be afraid, to not fear, for though we walk even through the valley of darkness, he is there by our side to guide and protect us.
The apostles in today’s gospel, are on the lake. Jesus is in the boat with them. God eternal, who created the universe out of nothing and calls each of the trillions of stars by name, was there, laying in the boat pretending to be asleep. He knew the thoughts running through the minds and hearts of the apostles, and wanted to make this storm they were sailing through, a teachable moment. What is it he wanted to impart to them? It’s simple: that as long as we have him, we have everything we need. There is no more fear which dominates our life. As long as we walk in his light, he will guide us, and should we be in trouble, he will reach down his hand to save us. This is the good news my brothers and sisters. Believe it, because you’re already experienced it. I know! And keep praising him, now and always—the Lord and Master of the Seas!
Add comment
Comments