The Gospel of Luke, chapter 12:32

Today’s reading tells us to live without fear so as to meet God in unexpected ways and be able to recognize Him. Like the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament (1 Kings 19/9-13) we must be ready to encounter God in the most unusual of ways. Elijah did not find God in the “heavy wind” or in the “earthquake” or in the “fire”, but in “a tiny whispering sound”. God often works in strange ways. He can speak to us through the stammering of a child or He can reveal Himself in an unforeseen circumstance of our life. Most people have their own story of how God came to them. For some, it takes an accident to bring them to God. For others, it is something quite simple such as a quiet conversation or a good read. God can reveal Himself to us in a million different ways. No two of us have exactly the same story.

Our faith demands that we trust in Him, and to be unafraid. We must be prepared to endure aggravating situations and opposition. Often this means stumbling on our way. Sometimes it even means sinking a tad, but it always means getting our feet wet.

We cannot sail our boat through the sea of life without getting wet. Once we get our feet wet, however, we’re likely to discover that the water is just fine. Sailing our boat through the sea of life doesn’t mean living on the edge, it means living in the middle of life. It means being available to others and to our God who comes to us in and through others, right here, right now. Living this way takes trust; the kind of trust that overcomes fear.

This is why the Lord says: “Do not live in fear, little flock. It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy