DEALING WITH THE SEA AND STORMS OF LIFE

There is nothing more consoling in times of difficulty than to realize that God in Christ is with us. It gives us great confidence to know that Jesus Christ-Immanuel is our Lord and rules over our lives and the entire universe. It is true that at the mention of his name, every knee shall bow, and even the seas obey him. It only requires faith for this saving truth to have meaning in our lives.

I recall an experience when I was a seminarian with a few months to my ordination to the priesthood. I had visited my high school friend—a teacher who lived in a state within the Niger Delta region of my country. This region is known for its multiple islands within the seas surrounding it. On one occasion I accompanied him to an island (Brass Island) for academic supervision. We boarded a speed boat which took us about an hour to the island. This was my first experience journeying through the sea. When we were done with our assignment on the island, we got into the boat on our way back to the mainland. This time, unlike when we had more people on our way to the island, we were three in number—the driver, my friend, and myself. Along the way, something scary and unforgettable happened. It was, indeed, a terrible experience. About twenty minutes away from the seashore, the engine of our speed boat turned off. The careless driver reluctantly informed us that there was no more gas in the engine. I could not believe my eyes and ears. Although I was wearing a life jacket, I did not know how to swim. Scared and confused, I was full of regret for deciding to embark on that journey. My mind was busy with unpleasant thoughts even as our boat swung up and down in the capillary waves. I imagined I could drown at any moment. What happens to my priestly ordination? What would my family and friends say? What if I die? Too many “what-ifs”.  Surprisingly, my friend was calm and relaxed. He looked at me and said, “Be calm, we will be fine.” I believed him simply because that was all I needed—to be fine. Luckily in the end, the driver managed to paddle his way safely through the nearest surface of the ground from where we found our way home. It was an experience of fear and faith.  

Fear is a reality that happens to us as humans. Fear can be unhealthy when it weakens our defenses and puts us in harm’s way. The only antidote for this kind of fear is faith. Faith dissipates fear. Faith and fear cannot co-exist at the same time. You can only possess one at one point in time. If such words from my friend like ‘be calm, we will be fine’ could be so emboldening, what more about the words of Jesus himself who loves us beyond measure and whose voice the winds and seas obey? I kept wondering that if I listened to my friend in that visibly precarious situation, what more about listening to the Lord and master of the universe? Jesus asked his disciples who were experiencing the storm, why are you afraid? Have you no faith? This question is also directed to us, especially in fearful and difficult situations in our lives. What is that stormy situation in our personal/collective lives? Could it be our sinking relationships, our ill health, or that of a beloved one, could it be several failures in an attempt to get a job of our desire, could it be difficulty in overcoming a temptation to certain sin or a bad attitude? Whatever it is that constitutes a storm in our lives, let’s remember we have Jesus our Lord who is with us in the boat of life. Even as we learn to reach out to him like the disciples, let's also learn to hear his voice constantly telling us “Do not be afraid.” Let us pray for the gift of faith and the awareness of God’s saving presence when things are difficult for us. We need a fear-conquering faith. Our Lord is the master of creation and in charge of the future. He demands faith and trust from us as we journey through life.

Ackermann Playlot Playdates 

Come check in with your friends this summer.  There will be an informal meet up for families on the playlot on July 13 and August 13 at 10am. Bring a cup of coffee and a juice box to catch up with friends.

You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Mark your calendars.  The ice cream social will be on Monday, August 19.

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