How have the many storms in life made you believe more in Jesus? - Daily Reflections February 1,2014

JUST LIKE MAGIC

 

As a young child in the early ‘70s, I had the most frightening experience when Typhoon Yoling battered the houses in our neighborhood. It was the strongest wind I had encountered in my life then. Galvanized iron sheets were flying everywhere. Tatay still went out to work. I thought of him and wanted him to be by my side. Until I heard our own roof tearing apart. I cried helplessly. My nanay, the strong woman that she was, could only stare at the havoc tormenting her little child. And then she embraced me tightly. Just like magic — all my fears went away. Because she was there.

       Imagine yourself out with the disciples that night. The raging sea overpowering the boat you are in, causing everyone to panic, and yet there’s Jesus, asleep on a cushion. Do you hear the disciples accusing Jesus of not caring even if they perish? Do you also ask, “Teacher, do you not care?”

       In our doubt and anxiety, we sometimes lose sight of Jesus’ loving presence. Because we are consumed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, we fail to feel His presence.

       “Do you not yet have faith?” That was Jesus’ question in the Gospel. He asks us the same question today. I cannot begin to imagine the shock of the disciples when it was Jesus’ turn to question them about their faith. Of course they believed Him — they were His disciples, remember? But no, they questioned Jesus and they were astounded by their own disbelief.

       Jesus invites us to hold on to our faith. We should no longer have any reason to doubt, even if we find ourselves in the most difficult situations. The challenges and demands of today’s world, in fact, serve as occasions for us to be steadfast and firm in our faith. But should we find ourselves doubting, rest assured that Jesus will embrace us once again — to comfort us, to assure us and to calm the raging seas of our hearts.

       Just like magic, He throws all our anxieties and fears away. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How have the many storms in life made you believe more in Jesus?

 

Lord Jesus, protect me with Your presence and tight embrace.