FEAR IS USELESS. WHAT YOU NEED IS COMPLETE TRUST IN GOD.
THE MEMORIAL OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. FIRST SATURDAY IN FEBRUARY.
THE GOODNEWS:
"On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him.
"A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.
"Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!”
"The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
"They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” (Mark 4: 35 - 41).
Saturday February 1st, 2025. First Saturday in February. We observe the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
FEBRUARY is the Month the Church honors the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
“Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” This is the apparently exasperated rebuke of the disciples by Jesus. The disciples had seen signs and wonders performed by Jesus. Yet, they are easily shaken by every new crisis.
Were are the storms in your life today? Family, Health, Finances, Job, Property or Tools? Or have you nothing to worry about but your future?
All storms are sanctioned by God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. Because the storms are sanctified or ordered by God, they are blessings and more often than not blessings in disguise.
"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1: 2 - 4)
James tells us that trials test our faith in order to produce perseverance. Without perseverance, we can never succeed.
Storm times are testing times. Where do you place your trust? Who is your security? Who is the first person you call upon to help you?
"My foes treat me harshly all the day; yes, many are my attackers.
O Most High, when I am afraid,
in you I place my trust.
I praise the word of God;
I trust in God, I do not fear.
What can mere flesh do to me?" (Psalm 56: 3 - 5).
This Psalm was penned by David when he was in crisis. When he was in trouble, he trusted only in God. He remembered the word (promises) of God and he was strengthened in his resolve not to surrender to discouragement.
The whole of Sacred Scripture teaches one lesson: Love God with all your heart and put Him first in everything. And you shall have nothing to fear.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
"Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil." (Matthew 6: 33 -34)
When we put God and His interests first in our affairs, we experience a state that can be described as "No fear, No Worry, No Doubt." Because Jesus Himself has promised that:
"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust." (Luke 8: 50, Mark 5: 36)
As we open our hearts and minds to the word of God with confident trust, we experience the power of faith to rule and calm the furious storms that arise in our lives.
"Do not fear: I am with you;
do not be anxious: I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41: 10).
"They cried to the Lord in their distress; from their straits he rescued them, he hushed the storm to a gentle breeze, and the billows of the sea were stilled." (Cf Psalm 107).
God works silent miracles all the time for us. Show appreciation like the sailors in Psalm 107 above. God is very pleased by our gratitude.
Such lessons from the Scriptures build up our faith. Don't miss them.
I was comforted by the Scripture below when I was anxious this afternoon.
"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7).
The Church honors the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the Month of February.
"Most Holy Family of Nazareth, perfection of family love grew strong in your school of love. Please bestow upon me, my family, and all families the grace needed to more fully imitate the love you shared, so that families will remain the fundamental building block of the world. Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us and have mercy on all. Jesus, I trust in You." (Cf Roman Missal).
For Devotional prayer and prayer intentions to the Holy Family, click the link below:
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