God Is Present in Difficult Times

Homily for Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

In the first reading, we hear a poignant rebuke of King David, and a painful description of the consequences he must bear because of his sin.

The disciples in the Gospel find themselves in a dangerous situation in the midst of a violent squall and a boat filling with water. God is with them, but the danger does not seem to be any less – indeed, Jesus is asleep.

These are painful and difficult moments, and though it may appear to be otherwise, God is present in these moments just as God is present in the difficult moments of our lives.

St. Thomas Aquinas, whom we remembered yesterday, wrote that “to love is to will the good of another.” God desires our happiness and our good. However, God is resolutely aimed at our truest happiness and greatest good. God will not allow us to be mediocre – because God is love itself.

David had stolen the wife of another man and had her husband killed. God cannot tolerate this from the king – David is capable of better and must be driven to repent. The disciples awaken Jesus asking, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” Of course Jesus cares, and Jesus wants his disciples to learn what it means to truly trust in him even when the circumstances of life seem overwhelming

God does not desire that we suffer. God desires nothing but our good. But, sometimes in this world of sin, good is costly and dangerous. God knows this firsthand; he gave his only begotten Son so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. God is present in our distress. God is good, and this truly is the best news ever.

As we draw near to the altar to receive the gift of God’s son, we praise God for being with us in the midst of every circumstance, good or ill. God is good all the time.