28 June 2016 - in this storm

[ Today's Readings ]

He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”

We're terrified because there is a violent storm. We're terrified because as far as we can tell "We are perishing!"

But this is only possible if we don't listen to him in the first place.

Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing
without revealing his plan
to his servants, the prophets.

After all, he tells us to expect this sort of thing:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (see John 16:33).

There will be trials, but they are no longer to be feared. They cannot make us perish. In fact, they perfect us.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (see First Peter 4:14).

We don't even need to be scared of punishment.

You alone have I favored, 
more than all the families of the earth;
Therefore I will punish you
for all your crimes.

We don't need to fear it as long as we realize that he disciplines us because he loves us too much to leave us on our own.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love (First John 4:18).

Even if we didn't listen to him before and we are afraid today, even if we are tossed about by the wind and the waves, let us listen to him now.

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?”

Jesus rebukes the winds and the sea today. If we listen to his voice we can know the peace which only he can give.

But I, because of your abundant mercy,
will enter your house;
I will worship at your holy temple
in fear of you, O LORD.