FEAR.
By definition,
"Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat".
And fear is basic to our human condition.
Since mid-March of 2020, we human beings the world over are living in fear to some degree or another.
In the midst of our daily lives, the covid-19 was set upon us. Our lives would be changed forever. – Translation – IMMENSE FEAR of the unknown.
Today we have a progression of this same fear as we move to another stage in the Pandemic, this time it involves the education system of the Province. We fear for our children; our grandchildren, as well as our teachers and all those associated within the education system. Let us not forget the school bus drivers who also offer transportation to the children.
In the readings of today, we see such moments that made Elijah cry, made Paul lament, and made Peter panic. But beyond the things that make us cry, is God’s revelation of His power.
The church invites us today to look deeply into these moments to see a face God is revealing, a message He is passing.
The readings tell us how God has continued to show His face and His presence amidst the storms of life. They explore the reality of human suffering and the reality of God’s intervention.
God has never ceased to reveal Himself in times of crisis and human predicament. Take for instance, at a time when the Israelites suffered greatly in Egypt and there seemed to be no hope, he appeared to Moses and revealed himself as “I AM” (same as Jesus revealed to his disciples saying “it is I”).
This is followed by his rescue from sinking and the miracle of calming the storm by Jesus. Besides this, it is the nature of the Sea of Galilee to be turbulent. For those of you that have gone on the pilgrimages to the Holy Land with Fr. Michael, might have noticed this. One day the Sea of Galilee was turbulent with huge waves and the next morning so calm and still.
Speaking of St. Peter walking on the Sea of Galilee to Jesus, I draw your attention to the sculpture on the wall to my right. It depicts that very image. Notice how the fury of the waves have been captured.
(To the left above the Tabernacle, notice the other sculpture. This one of Jesus baptism at the River Jordan by St. John the Baptist.)
In whichever way we look at it, the point is that Jesus walked on the sea to rescue His disciples to remind us that He has authority over every power, natural or supernatural.
No matter how deep the sea of our predicament, how fierce the wind of our fears, He reminds us today that He is still in control. Therefore, let us try to keep the following in mind.
Fight fear with faith.
Fear is false evidence appearing real. It is like a virus that attacks our root of believe in God.
Obviously, we have reasons to fear and our fear is real giving the situation of things in the world today.
The disciples of Jesus also encountered real fear.
However, Jesus revealed himself to them saying: “It is I, ‘THE I AM’.
Take courage! Do not be afraid”. They believed and their fear vanished.
Today, He still makes this proclamation of His power to us asking us not to be afraid because He is there for us as we sail on the sea of life.
Though He does not promise a storm free voyage, but He promises to be there for us.
So, we need faith like Peter who asked to join Jesus walking on the sea.
Faith can achieve beyond our human capacity.
Peter’s faith kept him walking on the water to Jesus. But the moment he removed his gaze on Jesus and focused on the storm he started to sink.
To stay afloat on the sea of life we must fix our gaze on Jesus not minding the rage of the waves that surround us.
Most of all remember.
“IN ALL THE CONFUSION AND INSECURITY AROUND US, GOD IS PRESENT”
+ GOD BLESS YOU ALL