Be Not Afraid: A reflection on Sunday's Gospel, by Gazelle Johnson

Heidi, I am sure the profound thoughts in the shower made their way into your reflection, applied to the real life of where you are   Since you reflected on the 1^st reading, I will follow with the 2^nd and Gospel readings today.

St. Paul’s Storm:  What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood.

St.  Peter’s Storm:   Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink.

My Storm:  It really bothers me when Christians separate from one another due to differing Biblical interpretation.  I would not like to see anyone “cut off.”  It really does cause me mental anguish

Our Storm:  It was windy last night.   Really windy.  There was thunderstorm warnings.   I snuggled into the comfort of my bed,  and said a prayer for those who recently lost their homes due to severe storms.  You never know, in the morning…  This morning I found out that friends had lost trees, had minor property damage.  We had a branch on the apex of the roof.  

 I have family members who  attend a protestant mega-church.  This church recently collected large amounts of aid for the victims of the midwestern storms.  Catholic charities also are doing much for the victims of the storm, as well as numerous generous secular groups.   Neighbors help neighbors.  Good Samaritans every one.

They are all Jesus’ hand reaching out to Peter, to those sinking in the waves of the struggles of this life.   They do it for love of neighbor.   When I see them work together to solve a common problem, I see that they are all Jesus’ hand reaching out to Paul, to those sinking in the waves of separation due to different understand of religious theological development.

We are reminded to look at Jesus, how God saves through the means of humanity, his creation which he loves.  The storm is stilled.   There is still work to be done, trees to be chopped, boats to be repaired, Biblical truths to glean…and share.

Jesus’ Hand:  Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped.   We’re all in the same boat—and Jesus is here.  God with us.  When you take the hand of your neighbor, you take the hand of Jesus.  When you give your hand to your neighbor, you are the hand of Jesus.  Be not afraid.

Gazelle