Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday after Epiphany. It is obvious that our collect or opening prayer today is our strong faith and understanding that God knows us to be set in the midst of dangers so great that, by reason of the frailty of our nature, we cannot always withstand. (Deus, qui nos in tantis periculis constitutos, pro humana scis fragilitate non posse subsistere). We need His grace to keep our mind and body healthy so that we may overcome the things which we suffer for our sins. This is such a beautiful reminder that the road we travel is difficult. We rely solely on God who walks with us. This is the reason why we are here, and God is with us every step of our way.
The gospel today is about the experience of Jesus’ Apostles. When they were at the middle of the Sea of Galilee, strong winds tremendously shook their boat, with big waves which almost capsized the boat. Jesus was asleep. They came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us, we perish.” Then Jesus said to them, “Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith.” He commanded the winds and the sea and was astonishingly obeyed. There came a great calm. Consequently, the Apostles wonder, “What manner of a man is this, for the winds and sea obey him?”
This is considered to be a dramatic story, like in a movie full of suspenseful scenes. When Jesus performed His miracle to calm the sea and the winds, we must also bring our memory to the action of Jesus when He met those possessed by the demons. The words Jesus used to expel demons are the same and exact words He uttered to calm down the Sea of Galilee. The forces of evil attack when someone is vulnerable, when someone is in darkness, and it is commonly believed that demons are at work also in the destructive forces of nature, like all kinds of calamities we encounter in life.
This gospel invites us to reflect intensely on our relationship and encounter with Christ and how we mature in our Spiritual Life. I am here to help you be able to recall the various situations you are in at this moment of your lives.
First, walking with Jesus means that we are ready to go through all kinds of trials. Our journey with Him is not a promise of complete tranquility. We need to expect some kind of tribulations and storms in life. Following Christ is not a guarantee that our life becomes easier and without sufferings. However, what is needed is our complete trust in the Lord that as we fully submit ourselves to Him, Jesus will do miracles to lead us to overcome all trials and difficulties. Jesus will absolutely bring peace in our trials, problems, anxieties and sorrows because His abiding presence in our hearts quiets down our soul and body.
Second, maybe as we go through the storms of life, God is testing us, to challenge us on how deep our faith and trust in the Lord is. The disciples were in Jesus’ company, and yet they cannot put themselves in the mighty hands of the Son of God. They waivered and doubted the fact that Jesus is God. They seemingly were with Christ to enjoy and have some comfort. Despite their hopelessness, Jesus understands well their human fears and fragility. Jesus is in complete control over our lives, and He won’t allow us to suffer.
I imagine and am amazed of Jesus’ smiling face assuring us that He absolutely understands our earthly journey. Every time we are faced with unfortunate events in our lives, putting ourselves in danger, we must be faithfully determined to call upon Jesus and rouse Him in our souls so that we avoid the shipwreck of sin that can come with vengeful thoughts and actions. I believe that we are all strengthened by the Sacraments. They are sacramental signs to dispense particular grace because Jesus wants to come and help us.
Thus, when Jesus calms all adversities in life, an important message comes across our minds and hearts about a new sense falling upon us that, being disciples of the Lord, we seek His abiding presence which we sometimes fall short to discern. We ask to let God continue to accompany us because we humbly accept our own limits. Who then is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?
Remember again St. Augustine, submitting his heart, saying these words, “Our hearts are restless until we rest in God.”
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
