Today’s readings remind us that through the storms of life we are to turn to God, trust in Him and seek His help.  

If we so choose, it is precisely through these storms that our faith can be strengthened. 

The gospel reading tells us of the frightened disciples boat being tossed during a storm.  Frightened for their life, they awaken Jesus and plead for His help. He calms the storm and asks why they are afraid. 

Jesus is in the boat with us as well.  We too can often find ourselves getting swept up in the storms of life and being overwhelmed.  We can relate to the disciples. When we struggle with trusting in God, anxiety and fears can overcome us if we let them.

However, if we allow it, these trials can also bring us closer to the Lord.  We find ourselves leaning on Him in a very profound and almost desperate way.    We might even fear that we are alone, but that isn’t the case.   God is there in the lifeboat with us as the storms rage.  He challenges us just as Jesus challenged his disciples, “Why are you afraid? Where is your faith?” Our all-loving God is also an all-powerful God.  He will calm the sea for us if we trust in Him. 

Perhaps today’s readings are more about God and His faithfulness, as He is the One who created the heavens and the earth and yet He cares for each one of us as though we were His only child.  He calls us to have faith and trust in Him especially through life’s storms and challenges.