Faith Through the Storm: Trusting in Christ’s Presence By Fr. Gerrity on November 03, 2024
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Reflection on Trust in Christ and Calming of the Storm video
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Faith Through the Storm: Trusting in Christ’s Presence

Offertory
"Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication."
(Psalm 129:1-2, Douay-Rheims)

Summary

Psalm 129: A Cry for Help

It's easy for us to look at the liturgy for these Sundays, these last Sundays of the liturgical year, starting with the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost until the final Sunday after Pentecost. The theme is a constant one, and that is the Psalm 129 De Profundis. "Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my prayer" (Psalm 129:1, Douay-Rheims). It's a beautiful psalm that begins as a cry of desperation. We cry to the Lord, begging for help in our times of darkness, in times of difficulty, and whatever else. But the Psalm resolves itself at the end into a song of perfect resignation and confidence, knowing that God will take care of us, knowing that God has everything in hand. “For with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful redemption” (Psalm 129:7, Douay-Rheims).

The Liturgical Context

As we move through these final Sundays in the liturgical year, the readings guide us in reflecting on trust and surrender to God. The De Profundis echoes the theme of reliance on God’s mercy in every circumstance.

Epistle
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. For he that loveth his neighbour, hath fulfilled the law. For: Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet. And if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The love of our neighbour worketh no evil. Love therefore is the fulfilling of the law."
(Romans 13:8-10, Douay-Rheims)

The Gospel Lesson of Trust

In today’s Gospel, we read of the disciples in the boat with Christ during a fierce storm. They cry out in fear, “Lord, save us: we perish.” Christ responds, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (Matthew 8:25-26, Douay-Rheims). Then, with a single command, He calms the sea. His words remind us that even amid turmoil, He calls us to trust.

Gospel
"And when he entered into the boat, his disciples followed him: And behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves, but he was asleep. And they came to him, and awaked him, saying: Lord, save us, we perish. And Jesus saith to them: Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up he commanded the winds, and the sea, and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: What manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him?"
(Matthew 8:23-27, Douay-Rheims)

Human Weakness and Divine Constancy

In the face of chaos, we are often quick to worry or panic. Our minds are clouded by worldly concerns, personal struggles, and sufferings. Yet God calls us to cry out to Him with complete trust, reminding ourselves that He will never abandon us.

Learning to Trust in God's Fidelity

Our experiences with betrayal—by others and even by ourselves—can make trust difficult. We fail in our own resolutions, yet God is unlike us in every way. He alone is absolutely reliable, always extending His mercy, no matter how often we fall.

Enduring Trials with God's Grace

He will always try to save our souls. He will always be constant to us. He will always give us his love, offer it to us because that is who he is. He can't not do that. He can't betray us. He can't lie to us. He can't deceive us. He can't mislead us, he can't disappoint us. St Thomas points out that if we are disappointed, for example, in our prayers, we say a prayer, we ask for a specific grace and we don't seem to get it. St Thomas points out The problem isn't God. The problem may be ourselves. Maybe God isn't giving us that grace because that grace wouldn't benefit us as much as we think it would.

Facing the World’s Questions on Suffering

It’s common for people to question why a loving God would allow suffering. Saint Paul also struggled, referring to his “thorn in the flesh.” God’s response, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9, Douay-Rheims), reminds us that while suffering exists, God’s grace is always sufficient.

Turning to Christ in Modern Chaos

In our modern world, filled with crises and chaos, we must look to Christ as our anchor. We are called to focus on Him as our purpose and guide, trusting that He will carry us through even the worst of times.

Carrying Our Cross and Surrendering

We each have our cross to bear. God doesn’t promise us an easy path, but He does promise His presence and grace. As Saint Bernard said, “Do your duty and let God do the rest.” We are to carry our cross, knowing He will provide the strength we need.

Avoiding Chaos and Staying Grounded

In these turbulent times, especially with events like elections, we are tempted to obsess over news and outcomes. Instead, we should do our civic duty and then leave the rest in God’s hands, allowing Him to work in His perfect way.

Embracing the Presence of God

Practicing the presence of God means recognizing that Christ is always with us, even in our storms. He was there with the disciples, and He is here with us now. Understanding His constant presence brings peace to our souls, regardless of circumstances.

Charity and Seeing Christ in Others

We are called to see Christ in everyone we encounter, loving them as He loves us. This means rejecting the chaos of division and instead bringing charity into our interactions, knowing that Christ offers Himself for all.

A Simple Practice of Faith

To remain steadfast, let us practice this awareness of God’s presence, remembering that He is our guide and strength. With Him by our side, no storm can overwhelm us, and no fear can shake us.

Summary Reflection

Reflecting on Psalm 129, Romans 13, and the Gospel of Matthew, this meditation reminds us to trust in God through life’s trials and uncertainties. Despite our fears and the world’s chaos, our calling is to place everything in His hands, grounded in the teachings of the Traditional Latin Mass and the Mass Propers, which offer guidance and peace through the storms of life.

In the Name of the Father and the Son of the Holy Ghost. Amen