It is I, do not be Afraid.

Homily for April 29, 2017.

In the midst of the turbulence, the strong wind and raging nature of the sea, Jesus decided to come to the disciples walking on water. The disciples were obviously scared beyond measure yet Jesus said to them: “It is I, do not be afraid.”

Few days ago I found myself in an almost similar situation as the apostles of Jesus. I was scared about certain things, so much that I started wishing I would suddenly vanish into the air.

Fear is something that reminds us of, and presents the worst possible scenario before our eyes. In the midst of fear, we feel terribly paralysed, hopeless and helpless and we begin to wonder why God would allow such to happen to us in the first place.

And it is precisely when our fear grips us to the throat, precisely at that very moment when there seems to be no way out, that God shows up. And he comes to us walking on water; that is, he comes into our very situation and makes it seem like nothing!

Jesus’ walking on water was to assure the disciples that even when the chips are down, even when all hope is lost, God is still on top of the situation. God who allowed the wind to be so heavy on the disciples knew exactly what he wanted to do.

Dear friends, let us bear in mind that nothing ever happens to us unless God first permits it. And if God permits such turbulence in our lives, it is because he wants to use it to groom our faith further.

If a student never writes examinations, how are we to promote him to the next class? If we don’t face trials in our lives, how are we to grow in our spiritual life? The truth is that if the seas of our lives remain calm for too long, we simply forget God.

Sometimes, the so called “negative” event that you wished never happened turns out to be your moment of breakthrough; your moment of discovery. This is what plays out in today’s first reading. Out of a confusion that arose from the daily distribution of food, came the ordination of the first set of deacons in the early church.

Calamities are good for us. They are Divine helps in disguise. As Denzel Washington puts it, “ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.” Thank God for hardship, thank God for your problems because they are meant to be stepping stones not stumbling blocks.

Yes, bad things would happen, fearful situations would arise in our lives from time to time, yes, the winds are going to blow in the direction we do not want, but then, no matter what, let us never take our eyes away from Jesus who comes to us walking on turbulent waters saying: “It is I, do not be afraid.”

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, deepen my trust in your protection that I may fearlessly walk in your light. Amen.

*Happy Weekend. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 2^nd Week of Easter. Bible Study: Acts 6:1-7 and John 6:16-21).*

Fr. Abu.