Last weekend in the Gospel, we saw how those who witnessed Christ performing miracles became consumed with fear. They knew He could do all things, yet once fear crept into their lives they acted in an irrational manner. Fear clouds our sense of reason and judgement. This theme of fear carries over into this weekend’s gospel. The young girl who was presumed dead gripped all those present with fear. They acted in an irrational manner and began to ridicule the very One who could restore her to life. Jesus puts them out of the house and admonishes the others: “Do not be afraid; just have faith!” This is great advice for us this day. When we are consumed with fear, we need to hear Jesus’ words from last weekend “Be still, be quiet,” and couple them with the words of this weekend “do not be afraid; just have faith!” You know as well as I do that the challenges we face are like the violent winds of last weekend’s Gospel. Namely, they come out of nowhere and disturb our peace. Follow the advice of Christ and let your faith overcome your fears.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne