This dream of Jesus, when his disciples felt lost in the midst of the storm, while struggling with all their might, has often been compared to that silence of God in which it seems, at times, as if He were absent and unconcerned about the difficulties of men and the Church.
In similar situations, when the storm is upon us, when efforts seem futile, we must follow the example of the Apostles and turn to Jesus with full confidence: Lord, save us, we are perishing! We will feel the effectiveness of his infinite power and it will fill us with serenity.
"Why are you afraid, men of little faith?" he says to his own who are anguished and about to perish. "Why do you fear if I am with you?" He is the security, the only true security. It is enough to be with Him in his boat, within the reach of his gaze, to overcome fears and difficulties, moments of darkness and turbulence, trials, misunderstanding, and temptations. Insecurity appears when faith weakens, and with weakness comes distrust: we could then forget that when the difficulty is greater, the Lord's help is more powerfully manifested, as always happens: when trying to fully live one's Christian vocation, in family life, in professional work..., in apostolate.
Jesus wants to see us with peace and serenity in all moments and circumstances. "Do not be afraid, it is I," he says to his disciples frightened by the waves. And on another occasion: "To you, my friends, I say: Do not be afraid..."2 From his very entrance into the world, he indicated how his presence would be among men. The message of the Incarnation opens precisely with these words: "Do not fear, Mary"3. And to Saint Joseph, the Angel of the Lord will also say: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid"4; and to the shepherds, he will repeat again: "Do not be afraid"5. We cannot go about fearful of anything. The same holy fear of God is a form of love: it is the fear of losing Him.
Full confidence in God, with the human means that must be put in each situation, gives the Christian a singular strength and a special serenity in the face of events and tribulations. Frequent consideration throughout each day of divine filiation leads us to address God, not as a distant, indifferent, and cold being who keeps silent, but as a father attentive to his children. We will see Him as the Friend who never fails and who is always ready to help, and to forgive if necessary. Beside Him, we will understand that all tribulations and difficulties are a good for the creature if we know how to accept them with faith, if we do not separate from Him: "Blessed misfortunes of the earth! —Poverty, tears, hatred, injustice, dishonor... You will be able to do everything in Him who will comfort you"6. And Saint Teresa, with the sure experience of the saints, has left us written: "If you have confidence in Him and courageous spirits, for He is very fond of this, do not fear that you will lack anything"7. The Lord watches over His own, even when He seems to be asleep.
HCD