Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
At times, we feel defeated and battered and as if there is no hope. The people of Israel have been in exile and inflicted with wounds and pains that seem incurable, but through this trial that has been received because of their sins, we see, as Israel saw, the mercy of God. When we are alone and tossed by storm winds, we take comfort in our hope that Jesus is just off the stern of the boat walking on the water with us. It is important to note that Jesus does not take away our storm but is walking alongside us and says, “take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Why is it that we were afraid?
When we see Jesus walking in the storm with us, we can at times fear his presence, for we are afraid to have him share in our storm-tossed lives. He calls us to trust in him by coming to him on the water. We begin to step out of the boat and move to him in the midst of our storm, and we are steady as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus. It is only when we take our eyes off of Jesus that we begin to sink but his love for us is great, and he stretches out his hand to pull us up from the water depths. It is true that at times, we have a little faith. But if we take his hand, we will see his love and perseverance with us, and we will come to know that we are his people, and he will be our God.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections