When you’re weary…
Did you hear the news that there is already a cellphone that works for three months without recharging? Wow! There is only one hitch, though. It uses a motorcycle battery that goes with a backpack!
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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33), we hear how even Jesus experienced “low bat” moments, and needed to recharge, and how He turned to prayer, away from the crowd. We, too, need to learn how to recharge. Prayer, solitude, and silence can help us find our bearings and strength, especially when we are already in need of recharging. More so, we need to turn to God in prayer when we are tossed about by waves that threaten our very lives. Who do you turn to, what do you turn to when problems overwhelm you?
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When you walk through a storm, where do you seek refuge? Some stay put, and some fly away, and some seek refuge in drugs, alcohol, and other worldly pleasures, to lessen the raging turmoil within. At the end of the day, the only road one must take is the road that leads to God’s heart, and to listen to Him, and just soak in His loving presence.
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Take courage, “It is I; do not be afraid.” (John 6:20) How consoling to hear these words of Jesus, especially these days when there’s so much trouble in our midst. Be confident that God is at the controls and truth will prevail, even if at times, liars and the cheats seem to be getting the upper hand, and appear to be getting away with their evil designs. We believe in truth, and believe in the triumph of truth and goodness. But it is not enough to believe. We all must continue to work for truth and goodness to triumph.
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As we go through life, let us keep our eyes on Jesus, and not on the waves threatening to overwhelm us. We also must stretch forth our hands unto Him so that He can save us. Above all, we must not lose courage; we must not be afraid. And yes, we must believe and keep on believing that the wind will die down. No storm could last forever. All things are passing. And we all will pass away.
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There are times when it seems that the rich and the powerful can walk on water! They seem to be above the law. They lie, steal, and cheat and somehow seem to get away with it. But only God can truly walk on water. No amount of wealth or influence can keep anyone above justice forever. Sooner or later, truth catches up. As the saying goes, “what goes up must come down.” Only the Lord is above all.
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As Peter began to sink, he prayed one of the shortest and most beautiful prayers in the Bible: “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). Perhaps that is the prayer we all need to learn. When we are afraid… When we are confused… When we are failing… When we are sinking… Simply say, “Lord, save me.” Say it sincerely. Say it often. And trust that the Lord will stretch out His hand.
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For those whose eyes are so fixed on the things of this world, let me share this text: “Most of us think that the most painful thing in life is losing the one you value. The truth is, the most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of valuing someone or something too much and forgetting that you, too, are special.” How true. How many of us, in our desire for security, have sold our very souls? How many of us, in our desire for acceptance and love, have gone so low? Remove God from our minds, and we end up insecure, selfish, fearful, and empty.
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Aug. 15 is the Feast of the Assumption of Mama Mary. Let us continue to seek refuge and consolation in the embrace of Mama Mary, and ask her to lift us up as a country and as a people. Let us not forget her constant and loving message to us: “I am here; I’m your Mother; do not fear; I am near.”
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, when we are weary, give us strength and set us free. Amen.
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