He Is Not Asleep

Laurann Donohue ponders today's Gospel story, remembering that even when her world seems out of control, Jesus is not unaware of her struggles.

Who sort of man is this, whom even the winds and sea obey? If I were convicted of the answer to that question, I would not get riled when my world spins out of control. When I’m in a frightening situation or am steeped in turmoil, I forget Who Jesus is and misconstrue who I am. I think of myself as being in control, of having the power to change the way things are going. I act as if everything depends on me. That only ends in even more fright and turmoil. If I do think about our Lord, I think like the disciples in the boat did, trying to manage the storm and wondering when Jesus is going to wake up and save me.

The important thing to remember is that He will wake up at the perfect time—His time and not my time. Plus, even when He seems to be asleep, He is completely in control of everything that’s going on. Jesus isn’t like a man, who loses track of reality while he is sleeping. He never loses track of anything or anyone and is never truly asleep. He is waiting, vigilantly and patiently to act in my best interests. Every decision He makes is for my good and the sake of my salvation.

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As we feel pressure or have worries, we can count on Jesus to be there for us any time we need Him. Our soul will be healed. #CatholicMom

This also is true of people we care about. When we see them suffering or in distress, we want to help but often can’t. We wonder why God would allow such a thing and why He doesn’t immediately step in to end the suffering and distress. We think our loved ones don’t deserve to be treated like that. Perhaps we think we don’t deserve to be treated like that, either.

Today's Gospel passage helps us to recall that our merciful Father is not asleep. He is there in the midst of our suffering, willing only our good.

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