Faith is the realisation of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen

Heb. 11:1-2.8-19, Mk 4:35-41. Faith is the focus of today's readings and faith is described as “...the realisation of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Today's first reading describes the faith of Abraham as a model for our faith. Abraham, Sarah and the other Old Testament saints are described as living like “strangers and foreigners on the earth”, because they experienced a deep longing for their homeland in the presence of the living God. It also points out ordinary folk, with human weakness and temptations, who lived with “confident assurance about things we do not see.” The text imagines a cloud of witnesses hovering over us and beckoning us to be men and women of heroic faith.

In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges the faith of His disciples who allowed fear to overcome them. To His frightened disciples Jesus said: “Do not be afraid.” He is with us always, even during stormy times, when we fear the raging wind and are threatened by waves breaking against the boat of our lives. He asks us, as He asked them: “Why are you so afraid? Why so little faith?” He infuses us with new strength and points the way forward. He enables us to be patient, to remain faithful and to keep putting our ideals to work. Jesus first calms the storm and then asks the disciples why they could not feel the reality of the fulfillment of God in Him and their relationship with Him. Faith is a vital part of the role of the disciples of Jesus to overcome the storms of life. Having faith means we act with the conviction that God is going to see us through the stormy times. Though our human nature in us screams out the words of the disciples: “Lord, do you not care about what is happening to us?” The faith-filled response is: “We know that the Lord Jesus cares, more than we could ever imagine. We believe that Jesus will bring us to the safe harbour where we can experience the joy of the presence of God.

May the Lord calm the storms of our life and give us the courage to face the challenge of this world with steadfast faith! Amen!! Be safe and Happy weekend!!!