He indeed died for all,
so that those who live might no longer live for themselves
but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

What kind of choices do we make when we think we are the definers of faith —“ that is, when we become the source of all revelation and truth?

When we think and act in a way that indicates that we know better than the Church, that tells the world that we are God’s personal interpreters, or that shows a basic lack of humility, we are simply saying that we are the Messiah.

Instead, shouldn’t we focus on minimizing ourselves, and our self revelation, and make choices that are the best from Jesus’ perspective. We need to fall into step with the truth of our Catholic faith as handed down to us through the ages. The truth which repeats the words of Paul: Do not live for yourselves but for him who for your sake died and was raised.

Jesus knew what was in His disciples’ hearts and minds. He knows what is in our hearts and minds as well.

Then he asked them, —Why are you terrified?
Do you not yet have faith?—

When we live for ourselves rather than in unity with Jesus Christ’s teaching, with His Church, we show a lack of faith. When we think we are right and when we neglect to set ourselves aside through prayer and humble compliance, we show our lack of faith.

Would the boat have been destroyed? Would the apostles have perished?

Jesus slept through the whole thing. If they acknowledged the fact that He is the Messiah they would have let Him sleep. They would have had confidence in the truth.

Do you think Jesus is sleeping now, resting on a cushion in the back of the church? Do you think He doesn’t know what’s going on with you and with all His people? Do you lack confidence? Do you lack the faith that is necessary?

Job had a lot of questions for God. Today’s first reading from the Book of Job contains part of God’s response.

The Lord addressed Job out of the storm.

He certainly did, and he said a lot more to Job. Chapter 38 begins as follows:

Then the LORD said:
Who is this that obscures divine plans with words of ignorance?
Gird up your loins now, like a man; I will question you, and you tell me the answers!
Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its size; do you know? Who stretched out the measuring line for it?
Into what were its pedestals sunk, and who laid the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
And who shut within doors the sea, when it burst forth from the womb;

Who indeed! Who can fathom the mind of God or know His purposes? Who can define what God has created and the purpose behind every event that occurs? Certainly not us!

We must proceed on faith. We must resolve to have the faith that the apostles in the boat lacked. We have to proceed with the faith of Paul and not live for ourselves. We must live in faith, making the choices that the Church teaches are the best. You shouldn’t wait for the sea to be rushing over the boat before you run to Jesus.

In Chapter 40 of the Book of Job the Lord speaks very clearly

The LORD then said to Job:
Will we have arguing with the Almighty by the critic? Let him who would correct God give answer!

Then Job answered the LORD and said:
Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth.

Behold, we are of little account.

We must reconnect with the humility that fits our state as God’s creatures. We must end the doing, the talking, the debating, and the criticism. We must set aside faith in ourselves and our own motivations and step forward to provide what we ourselves and the world so desperately need. We must provide Jesus.

We must seek Him and relate to Him in pure and simple faith, faith that will stand up to any challenge or fear, even to the power of the sea, even to the ways of the world.

Live for Him, for Jesus who died and was raised up for your sake. He holds you in the palm of His hand. He has made you a member of His body. He has saved you. Yes, you and I, we of little faith, who would run to the back of the boat crying out ‘Jesus save us.’

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