“Be Not Afraid”

 

 

St. Pope John Paul II frequently told us, “Be Not Afraid!”  Remember the Gospel account [the storm at sea] when the disciples were “terrified” and filled with “awe” at the same time.  A more accurate translation of “awe” would be “fear”, they were filled with fear.  They ask “Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?’

 

 

  

Victor Hugo … wrote a story called "Ninety-Three."  It tells of a ship caught in a dangerous storm on the high seas. At the height of the storm, the frightened sailors heard a terrible crashing noise below the deck. They knew at once [it] came from a cannon, part of the ship's cargo, that had broken loose. 

 

It was moving back and forth with the swaying of the ship, crashing into the side of the ship with terrible impact. Knowing that it could cause the ship to sink, two brave sailors volunteered to make the dangerous attempt to retie the loose cannon.

 

They knew the danger of a shipwreck from the cannon was greater than the fury of the storm.  That is like human life.  Storms of life may blow about us, but it is not these exterior storms that pose the gravest danger….

The storms of the soul whether violent or silent pose the greatest threat to our spiritual well being. 

Only the power of God's love, as revealed in Jesus Christ can still our fears and guide us to everlasting life.

“A reporter asked Mother Teresa, ‘Where is God when a baby dies in an ally?’ She responded, “God is there, suffering with the baby.  The question is where are you?’”  (Celebration, June 21, 2009)

 

What are the great storms of today are they the pandemic ? economic?, social?, political?, cultural? cancer?, heart attacks?, or something else.

People in ancient times (and some people today) believe God is punishing evil doers!  That is not true!  We know “Disappointment with God is [a] common reason for abandoning the faith.” (Connections, June 21, 2009)

 

Many times our personal storms follow the pattern of the disciples.

 

That is Why! Jesus came among us to show us God’s love for us, in human form He came to show us God’s face.  He wants to walk with us in our difficult times and in our good times.  The grace of the Risen Christ enables us to realize the presence of God amid the storms around us.  Christ’s grace enables us to recognize the light of God in the darkness of our storms.  

 

 

    

President Kennedy had a saying on his desk, “O Lord, the sea is so vast and my boat is so small.”

 

Let’s not worry about the size of our boat,  instead let’s focus on growing our goodness so that God’s presence will be more visible in the darkness of our world.

 

St. Joseph pray for us. 

St. Andre Bessette intercede for us. 

May God Be Praised!