Having Faith Through the Storm. By: C.C.

   

²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8: 23-27)

 

        I have been praying fervently for all of those afflicted by the recent hurricane. It seems that these events call us together in unity and simultaneously expose the most important things in our lives. Whether we are personally affected by the destruction and devastation or not, each of us can use this time to truly empathize and evaluate the state of our lives and of our relationship with the Lord.

      It takes great humility and also great faith to continuously recognize the need for God and the need for an intimate relationship with Him. Potentially we may live "simply" day to day and consider ourselves to have "control" over most of our surrounding circumstances.

      Events like hurricane Sandy reveal to us how much control we truly lack over the events that occur in our lives. Certainly we can take many precautions and make decisions that can aid us in living lives that will provide some sense of peace and serenity, but our true sense of stability is only found in Him who is unchanging.

   As we reflect upon this Scripture passage may we be comforted through faith and come to understand the importance of complete reliance on our Lord and trust in Him through the storms of our lives. I pray especially for those today who are dealing with hurricane Sandy, may each of them feel the presence of God and our Blessed Mother near them. May we all pause in gratitude for the many blessings that we have and for any sense of earthly comfort that we are given. Let us remember the importance of interior peace and relationship with God so that despite what is spiraling around us we may remain in a state of calmness. Lord watch over Your children during this time and always. Protect and provide for those who have yet to know You. Open up the hearts of all of us so that we may be used as Your instruments to help our brothers and sisters in need. Amen (C.C.)