Third Saturday of Ordinary Time

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet!  Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

Sometimes when we are undergoing a trial, we become afraid, doubtful, and even feel abandoned. We might be tempted to wonder if God cares for us or why He would let us suffer. However, God never deserts us. He is always with us waiting for us to trust in him. And if we do trust in Him, we will be rewarded with peaceful hearts that can weather any storm. So the next time we feel anxious or forsaken by God, we should have faith that He will see us through our trials and safely to where we need to be. He will not let us perish so let our hearts be at peace in the knowledge that if we have faith in God, we have nothing to fear.

What are we afraid of and doubtful about? What can we do to remind ourselves of God’s Presence even in the midst of our trials? How can we build up our faith so that it can weather the storms of life?

O Lord, quiet our hearts and give us the faith to be good and faithful servants.

Amen.