Holy Martyrs Zenobius and Zenobia His Sister (284-305); Passing into eternal life of Blessed Priest-martyr Olesky Zarytsky (1963), Pastor of Strutyn near Zolochiv, and Siberia, Martyr
Read
Colossians 1:18-23; Luke 8:22-25
Today’s Gospel gives us the feeling that the Lord is testing the disciple’s faith. He invites them to sail with him to the other side of the lake possibly knowing that a storm will meet them in the middle. In this moment of adversity, the disciples are forced to show what they believe. We find that certainly there is a level of faith that exists for they turn to the Lord in their time of need, but their faith is incomplete. On one hand they know that the Lord should be the person they turn to, but on the other hand, they are not able to fully trust that His providential power is guiding and protecting them. This moment of crisis, as unpleasant as it was, quickly became for them a moment of deep spiritual insight and growth. For this reason, the disciples marvel for God worked powerfully in their midst and we can assume are deeply grateful for He saved them in their time of need.
We who consider ourselves disciples of Christ can learn to approach life with this type of vision and spirit also. Whatever comes our way whether joy or sorrow, celebration or crisis, we should always first turn to the Lord with trust and gratitude. Knowing and trusting that the Lord is with us, even when He seems distant or quiet. And seeking always to find the Lord’s hand in everything. For the Lord is not only present in our lives, but He is guiding our life for the good. We may not understand in our shortsightedness, but we trust that “in everything, God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)