The Calm Your Soul Needs

One story in scripture, Matthew 8:23-27, speaks of Jesus and his disciples in a boat on the sea when a storm comes up. A windstorm that was so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves. They went to Jesus and he calmed the storm.

We all experience storms in our lives. We don’t however know when the next storm is coming. And so when the storm comes, it's too late to prepare. We need to be ready for whatever is coming our way. When we look at nature we see that strong trees weather any storm. This is because their roots sink deep into the ground. It’s the same with our faith life. We must dig our roots deep into the word of God, his promises. This will give us wisdom to help us with life. It's too late to start sinking the roots when the storm comes. We need to prepare now and be ready for the storm. We do this by hearing the word of God on a regular basis. Then, we need nourishment to sustain us, to give us strength. Jesus gives us himself in the Eucharist. His body and blood is received by us

Storms come up everyday in our lives. There are all kinds; financial problems, sickness, unemployment, family problems. Just keeping your family together with young children is very stressful.

Often we can handle things day to day, but when one more thing comes up, we can’t cope. Finding time to just sit quietly with the cellphone off and the emails silenced is often difficult but needed. Even listening to relaxing music can help.

Maybe you're experiencing a storm right now in your life. If that's the case, turn to God. Turn to Jesus. Ask Him to save you from that storm. Ask Him to calm that storm in your life and take you safely home. We have such a need for that in our lives. What do you need to do today to create a calm in your soul?

Deacon John Girolami
Spiritual Advisor
SSVP Ontario Regional Council