Am I competent to face/Challenge the darkness of my Life?

Gospel Thoughts

19th Week : Sunday

GOSPEL Matthew - 14 : 22 - 33

Am I competent to face/Challenge the darkness of my Life

"When it was evening He/Jesus was there alone"

1) Jesus was alone when it was dark

In the context of the Gospel it is very clear that it was physical darkness. The day was almost over and the night was about to begin. In this particular situation Jesus was alone 

Usually when it is dark all of us are frightened. Many of us are scared of darkness. 

Some have terrible fear of Darkness. 

2)Darkness can have deeper meaning for our life

The concept of darkness can very well be applied to our Spiritual life. 

• 
  
• The Darkness of Sin 
• The darkness of Fear 
• The darkness of anxiety
• The darkness of temptation
• The darkness of pride 
• The darkness of crisis
• The darkness to anger, revenge and of other snares of the devil 

So darkness has very deep meaning for our life 

3)When it was Dark the Whole sea was before Jesus

To cross such a huge sea or water was not so easy 

When we feel dark in our lives we feel that great sea is in front of us. 

We feel lost by seeing the vast sea when we are faced with various kinds of darkness in our lives 

Not so easy to cross this huge sea 

This sea may be financial crisis, terrible crisis, death in the family, feeling of rejection so on 

4) Jesus was alone when it was dark

There wasn't any one with Him 

All the left him and He was alone 

At times when the life is  dark we feel that we are alone. We feel that everyone has left us and there is no one to support

This is the reality of life 

5)The Boats had already left

The only way to cross the sea was through the boats 

That is the only way that was possible. But the possible way also became impossible since the boats had already left 

Out life is similar to this experience. At times when we are faced with challenging situations, the only one possible way also becomes impossible and life becomes so difficult. Even then we need to challenge ourselves

6)When Jesus decided to cross the sea it was 3 am in the Morning

It was very difficult and scary hour. 

It is believed much of the accidents on the roads happen between 3 to 5 am 

It is very challenging to walk at 3 am. It is a time which is not meant for taking any challenge. 

The scary sound that comes at that time, the thick darkness, the fear that is involved at that hour, the absence of other people adds to  the gravity of that hour 

In one word it is very clear that travelling at that hour is very dangerous and scary too

7) The decision to walk on the water is the height of highest risk

In the most challenging situation Jesus takes the highest  form of risk to walk on the water. 

It is easy to swim in the water but not easy to walk

Even then Jesus takes the most difficult and impossible way to face this challenge

When we are face with difficult situations of life we need to take risks in order to face the challenge. 

8) In any situations of life there will be some solutions

Seeing the difficult situation which was in front Him he did not give up his efforts 

He took the last but available option in that situation

In any challenging situations there will be some out lets. There will be some ways through which we can find solutions to our problems. Only we need to take some risks.

9) Jesus saw disciples struggle and not His struggle

The whole incident takes place in order to help the disciples who were in difficulties. 

Jesus never spoke about His challenges and difficulties. His concern was to help his disciples. 

When we think about others and helping others whatever it may be the challenges or problems they appear to us very light and we are able to face 

By reflecting others problems and helping them we can easily overcome our problems. 

This is strange but it is true. Think about it.

God bless you your family. Praying for you and your dear onces

Fr Maxim Dsouza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore