It is I; do not be afraid

August 8, Tuesday of the 18th week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest
Daily Readings: First reading: Numbers 12:1–13; Gospel: Matthew 14:22–36

Today's story of the disciples on the boat reveals how Jesus acts during the storms of life. Let's take a look. First, we see Jesus on the mountain while the disciples are being tossed about in the boat. Doesn't life feel that way sometimes? Where is Jesus while you are "down here," having problems and disappointments? He seems far away. You wonder, Does he even know what I'm going through?

But Jesus does know! Miraculously walking on the waves, heedless of the storm, he comes to his friends. The elements have no power to stop him. Just so, nothing has the power to prevent Jesus from coming to you. That problem that you are dealing with, the sin that plagues you, those emotions that overwhelm you-none of these can keep him from coming to save you.

Notice that when the disciples see Jesus, they are terrified! He has broken into their storm in a way that disturbs them. And we don't always like it either. He doesn't do things exactly our way. For instance, he may not get rid of the wind or the waves right away. Sometimes, instead of immediately rescuing us from our troubles, Jesus first speaks words of comfort: "It is I; Do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Why is this?

Maybe it's because even before calming our storms, Jesus wants to show us that he's with us in our peril. Perhaps he does it to show us that his presence is enough to calm our fears and that he won't abandon us when life gets hard, scary, or messy. Jesus brings the peace that comes from him alone. Like the disciples, we need to learn that having Jesus is even better than getting rescued; he is so much more than a means to an end.

Finally, Jesus calms their storm, and he will calm yours. Not every situation in your life will be calmed as quickly, but every storm will pass. Your storm will pass. Maybe not today. Maybe not next month. Maybe not in six months. But however long it takes, Jesus will remain with you, and his presence will bring peace to you. Hear him say, "Do not be afraid; it is I."

"Lord, I believe you are with me! I trust in you!"