Your Faith Can Calm The Storms Of Your Life

Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19
Mark 4:35-41

Three examples of faith are given to us in today liturgical celebration, Abraham, Sarah and St Thomas Aquinas. In the story of Abraham-our father in faith. We see a glimpse of faith’s journey as Abraham obeyed God to go to where God has directed him. For Abraham and Sarah, life was a struggle as they sought to live out their married life, enduring the agony of childlessness no different from many childless couples of our time.

Throughout their lives, Abraham and Sarah had a deep faith and enduring love in the promises of the God who gave them life and who promised if they were faithful, they would reap the benefits of a long and prosperous life with countless descendants for all ages. This journey of faith also included leading a nation of people beset with worries and woes along with all sorts of issues and events, both sorrowful and joyous. We are the fulfillment of that promise and enjoy the life we have because of the faithfulness of our ancestors.

Next, we look at the life and contribution of Saint Thomas Aquinas, whose solemnity we celebrate today. He is considered a model for all teachers and students. His many scholastic and theological works have earned him a place of honor and respect not only in the Catholic Church, but other traditions and schools of higher learning as well.

Today’s gospel passage reminds us that we serve a God whom the winds and the seas obey. Water out of control is chaos. The waves of the sea were breaking into their boats. Jesus was lying there calmly sleeping in the cushion. He knew, he was greater than any form of chaos and uncertainty that could come. For the disciples they are yet to discover who truly he is. It seems as if the disciples were asking him to help bail out the water just like them that was coming into the boat.

After our Lord had calm the storm, he rebuked them for their lack of faith.
We live in the chaotic world and the seas of politics and societal life is out of control. The damages are out of proportion. Through our faith, we can change this world of illusions and fears into a world of grace and holiness. We may be tempted to think that because of the perennial issues in the world, the Lord is asleep We too are to sit back and see the awesome power of God who has bless us with ever glowing faith whose light does not diminish and has the power to calm our fears.
Together with him, we must go out to the sea even though the sea is out of control

Fr Joseph Osho