The WORD today reminds me that in times of troubles, God wants me to be still and trust in Him.
There was a time when I was applying for a job and I felt so scared before the interview. I did not feel confident because I was applying for a job different from what I was doing then, then I was told that I would be interviewed not only by the immediate head, but by her head as well. I was new to my faith community at this time, and while I was waiting to be interviewed, I suddenly remembered the song “still". It was one of the first christian songs I learned, and at that time, it just meant to much to remember how God is in control of everything, and we just have to be still and trust in him. It helped relax me a bit, though I was still nervous. Good thing the bosses were both nice during the interview.
Being still in times of trouble is a sign of great faith in God.
In the gospel, Jesus was on a boat with his disciples when they encountered a violent storm. It must be so strong, since the disciples were mostly fishermen, yet they were so afraid they woke up Jesus, a son of a carpenter. How ironic. They may have lacked faith, but they had faith in him, since they knew Jesus can help them in the situation they are in. and eventually, Jesus calmed the storm.
Jesus is asking us the same question he asked his disciples – why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?
Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by problems in this life. Sometimes we get stressed with the things happening around us. Sometimes we feel prayers cannot do anything with the situation and with powerful people we are faced with. However, Jesus is telling us to be still and have faith in him. To have faith in his love. To have faith in his power. If we have faith, we will not have time to be terrified or troubled. If we know how much God loves us, and how powerful he is, then no storm in life can bother us. We just have to trust him and surrender, and tell him to fight our battles.
This message is perfect in this Pandemic situation we are in. We have lots of concerns, worries and fear. We do not know how long this will be. We are uncertain of our jobs and livelihood. It is easy to panic and worry - like the disciples in the boat. However, God tells us otherwise. Instead if frantically doing a lot of things, he wants us to he still. He wants us to just trust in him. He wants us to build and strengthen our relationship with him so we can hear him. So he can assure and remind us that despite how it seems, everything is under his control. We just need to trust in him.
What are my concerns right now? What are worrying me? How do I feel about my problems and concerns? Do I still have faith in God? Do I believe he is still in control? What is God reminding me today?
May we be inspired by the gospel, and be challenged and moved to build and strengthen our relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus directly affects our faith. As we get to know him more, as we experience his love and power, then our faith will be stronger. May we do our part, and seek him in prayer, bible reading and the sacraments to solidify our faith and relationship with him.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the timely reminder. Thank you for reminding me of your great love and power. Sorry for the times I act like the disciples. Sorry for the times I get so stressed and scared of what is happening around me. sorry for the times that I know you are there beside me, but I still feel scared and stressed. Sorry for not having enough faith in you. help me strengthen my faith and my relationship with you. I will do my part and read the bible, pray more, and take the sacraments, and I ask you to help me strengthen my faith in you. may I always be still in times of trouble, knowing that you are always there protecting me. Having faith that you are fighting my battles as I surrender to you. And I ask that you surprise me with how powerful and loving and generous you are. In this pandemic situation, help me be still and know that you are still and always will be, God. Amen.
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection and song:
June 30, 2020
Tuesday of Week 13; First Martyrs of the Church of Rome
FIRST READING
Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the LORD pronounces over you, over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt:
You alone have I favored, more than all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your crimes.
Do two walk together unless they have agreed? Does a lion roar in the forest when it has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from its den unless it has seized something? Is a bird brought to earth by a snare when there is no lure for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground without catching anything? If the trumpet sounds in a city, will the people not be frightened? If evil befalls a city, has not the LORD caused it? Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets.
The lion roars who will not be afraid! The Lord GOD speaks who will not prophesy!
I brought upon you such upheaval as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah: you were like a brand plucked from the fire; Yet you returned not to me, says the LORD.
So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel! and since I will deal thus with you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8
R. (9a) Lead me in your justice, Lord.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you. For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
You hate all evildoers; you destroy all who speak falsehood; The bloodthirsty and the deceitful the LORD abhors.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
But I, because of your abundant mercy, will enter your house; I will worship at your holy temple in fear of you, O LORD.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
ALLELUIA
Psalm 130:5
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 8:23-27
As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”
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