July 1, 2008: Tuesday of 13th Week of Ordinary (A)
We can do some irrational things when we are afraid. When there is a looming fear, we have a tendency to rush into things, often making poor choices. You see on the news many people die in some rock concerts or soccer games because there was panic running through the people.
Today in the Gospel, a panic runs through the disciples when they encounter a raging storm in the sea while they are aboard a boat with Jesus. While Jesus was sleeping, they came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm.
In the face of fear, St. Ignatius of Loyola offers us Jesus’ approach to dealing with fear. First of all, Ignatius says never change the course of action when you are faced with fear or overwhelming sense to rush into things. In the seminary, spiritual directors use this rule to calm seminarians who are suddenly convinced that they need to get out of the seminary. The same applies to priests, married couples, and those who have made major commitments after long discernment. If we already have made a life-long commitment before God, such as religious vows or marriage vows, will it likely be the Holy Spirit who is encouraging us to change the course? Or will it more likely be our own overwhelming sense of fear or from the suggestion of the evil one. Certainly we will face seemingly difficult challenges like what the disciples faced in the raging storm. But when we have already invited Jesus to help us with keeping our commitments, he will not be sleeping. If you or those around you are in this situation, the advice is to seek a friend, a priest, or a spiritual director who can help calm the waters before rushing into decision.
Today in the Gospel, a panic runs through the disciples when they encounter a raging storm in the sea while they are aboard a boat with Jesus. While Jesus was sleeping, they came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm.
In the face of fear, St. Ignatius of Loyola offers us Jesus’ approach to dealing with fear. First of all, Ignatius says never change the course of action when you are faced with fear or overwhelming sense to rush into things. In the seminary, spiritual directors use this rule to calm seminarians who are suddenly convinced that they need to get out of the seminary. The same applies to priests, married couples, and those who have made major commitments after long discernment. If we already have made a life-long commitment before God, such as religious vows or marriage vows, will it likely be the Holy Spirit who is encouraging us to change the course? Or will it more likely be our own overwhelming sense of fear or from the suggestion of the evil one. Certainly we will face seemingly difficult challenges like what the disciples faced in the raging storm. But when we have already invited Jesus to help us with keeping our commitments, he will not be sleeping. If you or those around you are in this situation, the advice is to seek a friend, a priest, or a spiritual director who can help calm the waters before rushing into decision.
