God cares for us in difficult situations

Reading: But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27

Good morning, happy Tuesday, and many blessings my dear family.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 14:22-36) I can identify two types of people. Those who are going through a storm and those who will be going through a storm.

Yesterday morning I had the painful mission of bringing the Holy Oils to our sister Gladys Beras, the mother of our beloved sister Gina Espinal. We both prayed and gave her permission to leave this world and we thanked her for blessing us. Believe me when I tell you that our sister Gina Espinal is at this moment at the center of a storm.  

Jesus warned in John 16:33, “In the world you have tribulation”. “Tribulation” or storms can take many forms. There are literal storms, but there are also storms that come in relationships or financial difficulties, legal problems, or health issues, the expected or unexpected death of someone near to you. There are troubles in the lives of our children, getting laid off at work, or even storms related to following Jesus and serving His people. Fortunately, there is more to John 16:33, for Jesus concluded by promising, “…but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Here is a dramatic revelation of how God cares for us in difficult situations. Jesus spends time praying alone, and surely, he includes you by name. He knows where you are, what is happening to you, and when you need help. So, Jesus comes close and speaks to you: ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid’. Can you hear him in the roaring of the wind or are you fixated by the waves breaking over your little boat?

The disciples in their later trials would have remembered what happened next on the lake; how Jesus reached out and caught the drowning, Peter; how he got into their boat and how somehow his presence made the wind die down. Jesus does the same for you, but less dramatically.

Imagine yourself in the boat with the disciples or in Gina’s shoes, and listen to what they say as the storm develops.

Also, take a moment and become quiet and still. Then ask yourself: what is the “storm” in your life that you hope Jesus will calm? Or what is the healing that you would hope for if you could reach out and touch Jesus’ clothing? Sit with your desire for several minutes.

Now allow your longing and desire to flow toward Jesus. And trust that Jesus knows of your desire for healing. Then sit quietly for several minutes and allow peace, love and healing to flow into you from Jesus. You may not feel anything or experience a miracle! You simply need to trust that Jesus is healing you. However, the healing may not manifest itself immediately, but do not loose faith. Listen to Jesus’ words when he tell you: do not be afraid.

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+