Fears, Worries & Conflicts

FWC - fears, worries & conflicts - these are three experiences which none of us is spared from. They can debilitate us, paralyze and in the end destroy us unless we take a second look at our helpless, devastated selves. When we're into these three, we lose sight of what we have and feel so small and unable to cope. We make the problem bigger than it really is. This makes me remember one text message I received quite a few times: "When you have a problem, don't say 'God I have a big problem;' rather say 'Problem, I have a big God.'

The apostles in the boat today were scared at seeing someone on the water approaching them. In a parallel text from the Synoptics, this seems like the experience of Peter who asked the Lord, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to cross the water." Walking on the water then signifies being able to weather through all fears, worries and conflicts. The words of Christ, and Scriptures for that matter since "Fear not" is mentioned in there 365 times - once a day it seems said for us! When in the midst of FWC, keep the thought back.

The Early Christian community experienced conflict wrought by the folly of human weakness. But when the apostles came together and talked about it, they found a solution which we are still using up to now! Imagine what a long-lasting solution the Lord gives!

The message seems clear: The Lord has truly Risen! He triumphed over death! What other lesser power can conquer Him? He has shared us that new life, so what is there for us to really be afraid? As we entrust our lives to the Lord, so we trust in His mercy. "Lord, let your mercy be on us as we place our trust in You," says the Responsorial Psalm.

God bless