The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Today's Gospel is the story of Jesus calming the violent sea, asking his disciples why they lack the most essential virtue - trust. To me, trust has always seemed like something that can be easily attained, especially trust in such a loving person as Christ. However, in times where He has invited me most to trust in Him, I often feel like the disciples, wondering where Christ is and why He’s sleeping during my own suffering.
Growing up, one of the constant struggles in my family was my dad’s job security. There were times of plenty when we went on family vacations to Disney World and times of scarcity when we relied on food stamps. Throughout this, I had a front-row seat to how easily the Lord gives and takes away, and what that turbulence can do to a family. It often felt like a storm at sea, riding a sinking boat that I had absolutely no control over. In hindsight, I’m incredibly grateful for these trials because I saw how God never fails to provide—usually in the most unexpected and often the most humbling of ways.
One of the easiest ways to trust Christ in the present is to look at what He has done in your past. Has Christ ever left you worse off? And hasn’t He told us that He will never abandon us? No, because that is not His character or goodness! Even when it seems like the most boat-breaking of waves, it is in Him that our focus needs to be, rather than the unnavigable waters that lie ahead. Trust is knowing that Christ is in the present, and He is in control of all.
Lord Jesus, help me to know Your character and goodness more so that I might grow deeper in trust in You, especially when I do not understand. Help me to attain Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.
Amy Hardesty is a Realtor and works in sales for Hallow in Denver, CO. She loves meeting new people and building meaningful community centered in Christ. She can often be found reading, playing board games, cooking, and taking advantage of all things outdoors with her fiancé.