Santhiya Philomone csc –
Readings: Heb 11: 1-2, 8-19; Mk 4:35-41
In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus challenging the disciples to grow into a mature faith. We see Jesus calming the sea and the disciples are amazed at him. On the other hand, at first, we see the disciples’ lack of faith in Jesus. This in a way invites me to reflect on my faith in Jesus.
Faith is an entirely free gift that God gives to us. Believing is only possible by the grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, who moves the heart and who opens the eyes of the mind to understand and accept the truth which God has revealed to us. Faith enables us to relate to God rightly and confidently, with trust and reliance, by believing and adhering to his word, because he is utterly reliable and trustworthy.
If we want to live, grow, and persevere in faith, then it must be nourished with the word of God. Fear does not need to cripple us from taking the right action or rob us of our trust and reliance on God. Courage working with faith enables us to embrace God’s word of truth and love with confidence and to act on it with firm hope in God’s promises. The love of God strengthens us in our faith and trust in him enables us to act with justice and kindness towards our neighbour even in the face of opposition or harm.
Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in your heart and mind, and to move your will to choose what is good in accordance with his will?
“Lord, increase my faith in your redeeming love and power that I may always recognize your abiding presence with me. And give me the courage to do your Will in all circumstances.”