Do Not Fear, Only Believe

We continue the liturgical path of Ordinary Time, a season rich with all things extraordinary in the life of Christ. Both the 12th and 13th Sundays in ordinary time reveal the almighty power of Jesus over nature and life. Poured from our Lord’s most Sacred Heart is abundant mercy, calm during crisis, restoration and healing by the power of his divine love.

I answer that (Jb 38: 1, 8-11)

God’s abundant power is a solid reminder of his great love and mercy. Near the end of the Book of Job, we gain a deep awareness of the might of God. As Job continues to suffer from the loss of truly everything, including children, his friends rattle torment that accuse Job of disobedience to God, thus the pain and suffering. Yet, Job, a truly righteous man, withstands the false accusations, only to find himself instead of justifying what God has allowed, justifying himself and basically saying, “I am a good man. I have done everything right. Why does God not answer me?” Through another man, God does answer, with a strong reminder of his mercy in the imagery of God restraining the floodgates from “bursting” on to the land. The Lord affirms he is always present, powerful and merciful. Job’s heart is in the right place in spite of the overwhelming sense of loss. When have there been times when I thought that God has not answered? When have I tried to self-justify myself without considering the abundance God has already done and will continue to provide? When have I “given thanks to the Lord for his eternal, steadfast mercy” (Ps 109)?

Peace, be still (Mk 4:35-41)

Then there are chaotic times where we may believe God is unaware of our situation. All seems dire, with no hope in sight. The apostles experienced such anxiety. After a long period of preaching, Jesus and his apostles got into a boat to cross the sea, destined to get to the other side. Upon embarking, Jesus fell asleep. Meanwhile a “violent squall came up,” causing the waves to heighten and water to fill the boat. Pause for a moment … living in south Louisiana, many understand what is happening here, and it is terrifying. There is no amount of human control that can stop violent winds and rising water. None. One is at the mercy of the sea and can only ride it out until the squall passes. Understandably, the apostles were in a state of panic. Jesus was asleep. So they woke Jesus up, questioning his disposition saying, “Do you not care?” Lord, do you not care? Do you see my struggles? Do you see my boat is sinking? Are you really sleeping during this storm? Wake up!

Our Lord woke up, scolded the wind and told the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The Revised Standard Version of the Catholic Bible translates this quote closer to the original text, “Peace. Be still.” Peace. Be still. Some commentaries reflect that the boat carrying Jesus and the apostles represents the church and the sea is the world. We are the church, the mystical body of Christ, the people of God. We, at times, are caught in a “violent squall” whereby we fear we will “sink.” Yet, being the mystical body of Christ, our faith guides us to place our hope and trust in Jesus when the situation is dire. It is in Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, who has command over the natural elements of the earth, who grants us peace and stillness, even when the waves of life wash over our boat. In the storms of life Jesus is not only present, but he is also aware, awake and attune. 

Restored & healed (Mk 5:21-43)

Same as with times of illness, Jesus is present. St. Mark’s Gospel sandwiches one healing between another. Jairus and a woman with a chronic hemorrhage each seek out Jesus for healing: one for his daughter, one for herself. Each believes Jesus has the power to restore. As she pushes through the crowd following Jairus to his home, the woman presses in close enough to touch Jesus’ garment. Her faith is profound! She touches it and is immediately cured. Jesus realized “that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” Jesus, discovering it was the woman, said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” How does my faith save me? What do I do to get to Jesus?
 

Resurrected

Simultaneously, word came that Jairus’ daughter had died. Jesus reassured him, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Upon entering the house only Jairus, his wife, Peter, James and John were with Jesus as he went to the little girl’s room. Then, Jesus held her hand and told her to “arise.” She arose. She came back to life. She was resurrected by the power of Jesus. Do not fear. Only believe. Just have faith. Have faith in the healing power of God, with love, in love and for love. Do I truly believe in the saving power of God? As the psalmist writes, “I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.” How great is our God? Great enough to send “Our savior Jesus Christ who destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel” (2 Tim 1:10). JMJ

Year of St. Joseph

Most holy St. Joseph, protector of the Redeemer, we ask for your intercession that in times of fear we will become courageous and believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.