Pope Francis says that the Gospel of this Sunday, which recounts the disciples awaking Jesus during a storm, and Jesus silencing the wind and the waves, should lead us to ask ourselves some questions.
Jesus had been the reason that the disciples were on the lake. "It seems that Jesus wants to put them to the test," the Pope said.
He added, "But we can ask this question: Why does Jesus act in this way?"
The answer, the Holy Father suggested, is as simple as two consequences of the event: "To strengthen the faith of the disciples and to make them more courageous."
Indeed, they – the disciples – come out of this experience more aware of the power of Jesus and His presence in their midst, and therefore stronger and readier to face obstacles, difficulties, including the fear of venturing out to proclaim the Gospel. Having overcome this trial with Him, they will know how to face many others, even to the cross and martyrdom, to bring the Gospel to all peoples.
His plan with us too
Pope Francis said that Jesus acts the same with us, "in particular in the Eucharist."
He gathers us around Him, He gives us His Word, He nourishes with His Body and His Blood, and then He invites us to set sail, to transmit everything we have heard and to share what we have received with everyone, in everyday life, even when it is difficult. Jesus does not spare us contrarieties but, without ever abandoning us, He helps us confront them. He makes us courageous. So we too, overcoming them with His help, learn more and more to hold onto Him, to trust in His power, which goes far beyond our capacities, to overcome uncertainties and hesitations, closures and preconceptions, and He does this with courage and greatness of heart, to tell everyone that the Kingdom of Heaven is present, it is here, and that with Jesus at our side we can make it grow together, beyond all barriers.
The Holy Father thus concluded with some questions for self-examination, as he often does before praying the midday Angelus.
Let us ask ourselves, then: In times of trial, can I remember the times when I have experienced, in my life, the presence and help of the Lord? Let us think about it … When a storm arrives, do I let myself be overwhelmed by the turmoil or do I cling to Him – these inner storms, no? – do I cling to Him to find calm and peace, in prayer, silence, listening to the Word, adoration and fraternal sharing of faith?
May the Virgin Mary, who welcomed God’s will with humility and courage, give us, in difficult moments, the serenity of abandonment in Him.
