Daily reflection on the readings from the liturgy of the day
As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep.
Traditionally, this story has been interpreted as both an image of the Church and of the individual person. The boat is an image of the Church through which we Christians navigate the perils of this life. Each person within the boat represents each one of us who is a member of the Church. The violent storm is an image of the many personal struggles we endure in life, as well as the challenges and difficulties that the Church has endured and will continue to endure until the end of time.
As the storm took hold of the boat, Jesus was asleep. But He was asleep for a reason. As we look at human history, as well as at the history of our Congregation, we find many times when God has seemed absent or “asleep” when turmoil and difficulties have arisen. Many of us have had the same experience at one time or another in life. As the disciples experience this storm, they offer us an ideal way to pray when we are tempted to despair in life. They wake Jesus and say, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” And though Jesus rebukes them for their lack of faith and their fear, He also responds to their pleas and calms the storm.
Though our Lord did rebuke them for lacking faith, this story is primarily a revelation about God’s mercy when we are tempted to fear. God knows that at times we will all find ourselves tempted in this way. He knows our faith is not perfect, and so He allowed His disciples to set this example for us. Thus, whenever we do find ourselves overwhelmed and fearful in life, we should cry out to Him to save us. He wants us to turn to Him.
Let us reflect upon this prayer of the disciples. If we find that we are facing some personal crisis or difficulty that remains unresolved, or are increasingly aware of other struggles afflicting the Church, Congregation or society as a whole, then try to imitate this prayer of the disciples: “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” Though these words, at first, may seem to be words of despair, they are actually words of hope and trust.
They point us to Him Who is the only source of the peace we seek in our souls, the Church and our world. The perseverance Father Dehon demonstrated in founding his congregation suggests a deep trust in God’s providence, believing that Christ would guide him through difficulties. Fr. Dehon faced many challenges in founding the Congregation, but his faith remained strong. He likely believed that Christ would guide him through difficulties, demonstrating trust in God’s plan. The Holy Father said to us: “We need to pray! Let us never forget that without prayer, we neither progress nor stand firm, either in religious life or in the apostolate! Without prayer, nothing will be accomplished”.
Most powerful Lord, We are amazed at Your divine power and ability to perfectly calm the storms that afflict Your people. Please fill us with hope and humility so that we will never hesitate to turn to You in my need and to also cry out to You for Your continuous intervention in the lives of others. Awake, oh Lord, and save Your people, for we will truly perish without You! You are our Lord and Savior forever and ever. Amen.
