Tuesday 30th June 2020. Read Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12,
Psalm 5, Matthew 8:23-27)_
“Why are
you afraid, O men of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26)
Behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat
was being swamped by the waves, but Jesus was asleep. Just as the disciples
were shocked to find Jesus sleeping while they were facing a great storm, many
of us today just cannot understand where God is in the midst of this pandemic
that is threatening almost all life on earth.
Is it possible that Jesus was not aware of the storm and the
fact that the boat was at the point of sinking? Of course, as a man Jesus was
truly asleep but as God, being all-knowing and all-powerful, Jesus allowed the
storm to test the disciples’ faith. As St. James puts it: “Count it all joy, my
brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith
produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you
may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4).
The question is not whether or not we face trials and
difficulties, the question is: “How do we react or respond when we face such
moments?” Being human, the most reasonable thing to do when faced with such situations
is to become afraid (that is, to expect the worst). In the words of the
disciples: “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” Do you notice the contradiction in
this prayer? They acknowledged that Jesus is Lord but within that same breath,
they talked about perishing.
If they truly believed that Jesus is Lord, why would they be
having negative thoughts of perishing? Surely, like these disciples, we believe
that Jesus is Lord and we have some level of faith to pray but even while we
pray, we remain overwhelmed by fear; we call on God not necessarily because we
expect a better outcome but just out of habit. At times, we pray without even considering
the amount of negativity issuing from within. We have faith but it is just too little.
Are you facing a storm? I am sure you have prayed about it
already but you don’t feel too confident that your prayers will work. Right?
Calm down now and imagine the best, hold on your imagination for as long as you
can. Visualize your future just as you have prayed. Know that it will happen.
The next step is to use the power of gratitude to boost your faith. Start singing praises
to God. Count your blessings. Recall how God helped you in the past. Don’t allow
any complaint formulate in your heart, it is the devil trying to make you think
less of God. Be positive and all you will see are possibilities.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, when
I fear, teach me to be calm and expect the best. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 13th Week
in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12,
Psalm 5, Matthew 8:23-27).
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