Why Are You Afraid....?

Psalm 97, 99 [100] • Psalm 94 [95]
1 Sam. 16:1-13a • Eph. 3:14-21 • Matt. 8:18-27

Jesus poses this question in today's Gospel reading. The answer is given within the question when he adds, "you of little faith?" The disciples thought they were in mortal danger and beseeched Jesus to save them. He rose from a nap and proceeded to "rebuke the winds and the sea into a dead calm."

Our present observation might be, "Wow! That was pretty cool! How do you do with viruses?"

If we are not afraid in this global pandemic of the Covid-19 virus we are not paying attention (it seems that some at the highest levels of government are not). We are sheltering in our homes and cautiously venturing out with masks, gloves, sanitizing wipes, and prayer. If the antidote to fear is faith as Jesus suggests, where might I put my faith at this time? Government in Washington continues to lose credibility. Some of our fellow citizens are attacking people who tell them they need to wear a mask. Others are showing up with AK-47s in the Michigan state capital to protest being told to follow their governor's directives.

Are the patients taking over the asylum and leading us on a path of destruction?

I believe we are each being called to become quiet enough and centered enough to hear that "still, small Voice" that tells us: "Do not be afraid; I am with you. I have called you each by name." In these challenging times, may we find the faith only God can provide to take care of ourselves and each other. Cowabunga!

Written by Nicholas Cole

By looking out his study window at the birds, squirrels, the occasional fox and coyote, Nick is learning: “Do not be afraid…”