As we listen to the words of the Gospel reading this weekend, I doubt that many of us will be all that concerned about the storm that raged on the water as Jesus peacefully slept in the boat.  Instead, I would dare to venture that our minds will turn to the storms we face in life.  Just as Jesus calmed the raging sea, Jesus is also the anchor that calms the storms that occasionally rage in our lives.

This past week was difficult for Fr. Charles and me as we had to say goodbye to our beloved Sophia after 16 years of companionship.  As we drove with her to the veterinarian’s office, knowing that this was our last journey together, the song “Goodness of God” began to play in my heart, bringing me a sense of peace in the midst of pain.  The words of the refrain, “All my life you have been faithful.  All my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able, oh I will sing of the goodness of God” speak less to the high points of life, but rather, the times of loss, pain, and fear.  God is always with us, even when we don’t feel it.

From my life, I most experience God’s presence in a profound way during times of loss, when things seem to spiral outside of my control.  It is in the midst of the storm that Jesus brings peace and gives me the courage to face the storm, knowing that God is holding me fast.  When I most need to feel God’s loving embrace, God is there, holding me fast.  All my life (and yours) God has been faithful.

God has been good to us, no matter what storms we face, God is with us gently leading us.  While Fr. Charles and I were not spared the pain of loss this week, God’s loving embrace was a gift that helped calm the raging sea, bringing peace and comfort.  All of us face raging storms from time to time, sometimes Jesus seems to be asleep, but he is always there, and when we call on him, when we most need him, Jesus is there calming the storm, keeping our boat afloat. 

My friends, we are a work in progress, stumbling along, learning to trust in God’s goodness. At times it may feel that Jesus is asleep, but asleep or not, Jesus is there, offering us peace and comfort.  While the storms may continue to rage in life, while we may not be spared pain and sorrow, Jesus will bring us peace, and will guide us safely through the storm.

May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forever more.

Fr. Harry