3rd Week in Ordinary Time : Saturday 1st February 2020

We see and condemn in others the sins and faults of which we too are guilty. This is called ‘projection’ — we project our darkness on others.

David had stolen another man’s wife and ordered her husband murdered. Nathan, the prophet disguised the sin of David in a parable — David was enraged and declared that the guilty man in the story should be killed.

Nathan’s response pierced David’s heart: You are the man! The story encourages us to look inside ourselves when we criticize or condemn others. Other people are a mirror of our heart and soul.

The storm on the lake must have been terrifying. The apostles were convinced that they were going to die. To their amazement and irritation, Jesus was sound asleep! Their accusing cry was ‘don’t you care that we are perishing?’ Jesus chided them for their lack of faith, then rebuked the wind and waves. All was calm and peaceful.

We face frightening challenges all the time. We are constantly called on to make a choice — are we ruled and guided by fear or by faith? We can’t choose both.

Lord, help me to choose faith when I am afraid.