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Then He got into the boat, followed by His disciples, and without warning, a violent storm broke over the lake, with waves crashing right over the boat. Despite the turmoil, Jesus was asleep. The disciples, fearing for their lives, woke Him, pleading, “Save us, Lord, we are going down!” In response, Jesus questioned their faith, saying, “Why are you so frightened, you men of little faith?” He then stood up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and instantly, everything became calm again. (Matthew 23-26)
Jesus often exhorted His followers to display greater courage amidst trying circumstances. Interestingly, every time Jesus told the disciples to “be not afraid,” they had valid reasons to be fearful. Many of the apostles were seasoned fishermen, well aware of the hazards of storms at sea and the dangers of the Sea of Galilee. Their fear during the storm, while Jesus slept, was reasonable given their professional expertise; they were not panicking at the sight of a few waves but recognizing the seriousness of their situation as experienced sailors facing sinking.
Nevertheless, Jesus reproached them for being afraid despite His presence in the boat. When Jesus spoke to the woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for 12 years, He said, “Courage, my daughter, your faith has restored you to health” (Matthew 9:22). Her healing required courage and faith—believing she could still be healed after exhausting her finances on unsuccessful treatments from various doctors. Additionally, she needed the courage to approach Jesus, despite being ritually impure and socially ostracized due to her disease.
In moments of distress or fear, Jesus’ exhortations were not empty words but meaningful messages addressing specific needs. Similarly, when Jesus told the apostles, “Do not let your hearts be troubled; trust in God still, and trust in me” (John 14:1), He was speaking to them in a specific context. They were facing the imminent death of Jesus, betrayal by one disciple, and denial by another. Yet, Jesus encouraged them to continue trusting Him, even amid the impending crises.
In our own lives, we often experience worry, discouragement, anxiety, or fear. Sometimes these emotions arise for valid reasons, such as when a loved one faces lingering sickness, a child rebels against their upbringing, or financial uncertainty looms. However, Jesus’ message remains the same: “Be not afraid.” His words do not deny the reality of challenging circumstances; instead, they encourage us not to be fearful, even in the face of death itself.
Our peace cannot solely depend on everything going perfectly in our lives. As illustrated in the gospel incidents, true peace comes from Jesus’ presence, His love for us, and His power. Our freedom from fear must be rooted in unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, not in our ability to handle every problem that arises. If fear and anxiety still grip us, it indicates that our focus is not firmly fixed on Jesus. If we lack enduring peace, we have yet to fully ground our lives in God’s unfailing love—a reality that transcends human failings, sickness, or even death.
Let us remember that Jesus makes no guarantees that life will be free of sickness or suffering. Yet, He promises one thing: “Don’t worry till the end of the world, I will be with you.” His constant presence is the anchor of our souls, providing the peace that surpasses all understanding.
May we find the courage to trust in Jesus, even in the face of life’s trials and tribulations.
Christian families are missionary families, in their everyday life, in their doing everyday things, as they bring to everything the salt and the leaven of faith!
Pope Francis 