19th Sunday Ordinary Time (A) 13 August 2023 Courage
As one American president put it: the only thing we have to fear is fear itself (Franklin Roosevelt)
Fear does play too much of a part in our lives. It does have one useful purpose, to make us more cautious in dangerous situations.
However, in spiritual terms it tends to restrict us from the full flowering of the gifts that God has given us. We worry about many things, and often feel insecure.
We take refuge in our faith and that does help a lot, but there are still gaps in our faith whereby we are not totally convinced, or totally proof against panic, anxiety etc
We world be greatly comforted if we had Jesus with us in visible form. It is only that we cannot see Him that we doubt He is there.
If He were with us we would not be afraid of anything, even walking on water (Gospel). Yes, but He is with us!
In another boat story, Jesus rebuked the apostles for their lack of faith. (Mt 8,26) He is asking them in effect: Did you think I would let the boat sink and we all drown? Or for Peter in today’s Gospel: Why did you doubt?
He would rebuke us too, very likely, for the same reason - as we forget past blessings and treat the new problem like it is too much for us.
As the word of God puts it: Though ten thousand come against me (Ps 3,6) I will not fear. Though the stalls stand empty of cattle yet will I rejoice in the Lord (Hab 3,17)
The key is to look at the Lord, not at the problem, nor even the solution, but the Lord Himself. That is where our gaze must be.
If we could cultivate a deeper, longer and more intense relationship with Him then we are making progress.
How can we strengthen our belief so that fear no longer impedes us?
Lots of prayer is good, helping us to become more familiar with God's way of thinking. We have His word, and the writings of saints, popes, councils, etc.
We have the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. With sacraments, there is not a lot to see, but a great deal to believe!
And belief is another way of knowing besides seeing.
We are able to cultivate a deeper trust simply by constantly turning to our Lord and trust must follow.
He will give us all we need.
He will guide us till we understand what to believe and what to do.
He will give us a new way of looking at reality, and with that an ability to base our decisions and attitudes on Jesus Christ.
He makes Himself known to us by degrees, and we gradually pick it up. The prophet Elijah detected God's presence in the gentle breeze. (3 K or 1 K 19,10-18). This is normally how He makes Himself known. Sometimes through more dramatic means but mostly very subtle, so quiet it can be missed.
We find ways of discerning God's presence which are not by sight.
Most of all what increases is our love for God. We come to trust Him and be ready to follow Him, even if it leads to Calvary.
Perfect love drives out fear (1 Jn 4,18)
Overcoming fear is not a technique but an experience of
love. We would go through fire and water when we love enough.
We may go through our whole lives without ever seeing God or feeling His touch, or other sense experiences. But there will be a whole string of other signs and wonders, more and less spectacular and we will see that our faith arrives on time after all!
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