Life is a journey

1 Jn 4:11-18, Mk 6:45-52. Our life is often pictured as a journey or put differently, as a voyage because sometimes our life is driven by forces more powerful than we can imagine, like wind and wave. We sail upon a rippling surface of events and events could mock at human foresight because nothing is certain. When things go well, we feel the vibrant joy of movement, of being alive and forging ahead, like the Apostles on their way home from fishing in the lake of Galilee. Life is not all plain sailing. In today’s Gospel, a sudden gale blew up, tossing the boat and putting the lives of the Apostles in danger. Our own life-voyage can have its share of storms, anxieties, problems and pressures of various kinds even from the most beloved. An unforeseen turn of events, a sudden illness, the break-up of a relationship, can throw us into crisis.

Are we going to make it through to the far shore or not? Many find it hard to stay afloat, bewildered and confused by the rapidly changing times. At times like that, we are like those frightened Apostles in the storm. We cannot expect to be immune from the hardships and problems that are faced by our fellow-voyagers in this life. Indeed, Christ Himself shared fully in all of these anxieties, being tested in all things just as we are. Various remedies are suggested, like medications for our pain. Some will suggest we take a long quiet rest, a change of environment, get psychiatric help or look for counselling, or Transcendental Meditation. Each remedy has its own advantages, but what better support can be found in times of stress than an understanding friend? Today’s story suggests that our first and most constant recourse should be none other than Christ who is love as today's first reading tells us.

May the Lord inebriate us with His love and cast out fear that debilitate us to forge ahead in life! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!