Life is full of surprises – happy, sad, or terrifying. Some of the surprises are the result of how we have organized our own lives, like the sad socio-political situation in Israel in the prophet Amos’ times. Others seem to come out of nowhere, like the sudden storm that falls on the disciples in the boat with Jesus. In the time relative prosperity of Amos, Israel forgot the source of their good times. They forgot their covenant with the Lord to live justly. They forgot that God had always been at their side pulling them through life’s surprises. They began to abuse and take advantage of everyone including the poorest and least protected of their neighbors to increase their personal gain, prosperity, and good times. They believed their good times and prosperity came from their own actions and work. They placed their confidence and trust in their own capacity to generate their own prosperity. The prophet reminds them (and us today) that the Lord pulled them out of the fire – many times. The Lord is the source of their well-being.
In today’s Gospel the disciples are hit by a sudden, unexpected storm in their lives. They also forget who is in the boat with them – right at their side! Jesus is comfortably asleep while they are terrified. Jesus is so confident and trusting in the Father that he was asleep. When they rouse him, he points out that they have little faith. Jesus had a deep trust in the providence of God. This allowed him to live his daily life trusting in the Father.
The phrase “God provides” or “the providence of God” is not just an old saying. It is a center point in our relationship with God. Trust and confidence. It is necessary to surrender ourselves in trust and confidence to God’s presence and action in our lives. God is the source of our true well-being. Take time today to reflect on how God has acted in your life getting you through life’s surprises. Then ask yourself if your life is a proclamation of trust and confidence in God’s action.