Matthew 8
As Jesus rebuked his disciples in today’s gospel, the disciples in the boat didn’t have strong faith enough to disregard the storm. However, they didn’t forget they were with Jesus and asked him for help in the storm. Although Jesus replied with a scolding, he didn’t refuse their petition.
I believe this is important – to cry for help. When we face a threat or danger beyond our power, the first thing to do is to cry for help. It is not a shameful thing to call for help. We don’t feel ashamed to call 911.
But many Christians don’t ask Jesus to help them in their crises, especially in spiritual or moral struggles. When I have a hard time with forgiveness, I cry to Jesus for help. When my heart is overwhelmed by anger, jealousy or resentment, I ask the Blessed Mother for help. And they calm my stormy heart with peace.
But I found one thing to remember when I ask for help. It is that I am only asking for help, not dictating or ordering or controlling. I need to trust our Lord. I should follow his guidance and teaching. I am not in control of the crises. Jesus is in the control room.
There are too many things in our life that are beyond our control. That’s why we need to pray all the time. Masters of spiritual life are masters not in the sense that they can control everything in their hearts and their life, but in the sense that they know how to ask our Lord for help in every struggle.
