SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, (MEMORIAL)

Faith is . . . evidence of things not seen.

Do you believe in unseen forces? Of course you do. You’ve probably never seen the wind, or electricity, or gravity. But you have plenty of evidence that these forces are real and powerful. You experience their effects every day. They light our homes and loft our kites into the air and make them come back down to the ground. There is at least as much evidence for a powerful Creator-God worthy of our confidence.

However, in the face of danger, fear can easily crowd out our confidence in this unseen God. Look at the disciples in today’s Gospel. Buffeted by a storm, they weren’t questioning his power as much as whether he really cared for them. “Teacher,” they asked Jesus, “do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). Overcome by fear, they lost their grip on faith.

We often find ourselves in a similar position. We are keenly aware of the overwhelming forces that threaten us: sickness, ruptured relationships, financial pressures, or uncertainty about the future. When circumstances like these awaken fear, it’s easy to forget that God’s love is an unseen force that’s constant and far more powerful than everything arrayed against us.

At moments like these, it helps to fall back on the “evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The disciples had plenty of evidence. Jesus cast out a demon in a synagogue. He healed Peter’s mother-in-law and cured a man with leprosy. He forgave and healed a paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends (Mark 1:23–2:12). There seemed to be nothing he couldn’t do for his people.

You, too, have plenty of evidence of God’s loving care for you. So today, look for some of that evidence. It might be as small as a beautiful sunset on your birthday or as big as a spouse eager to help you grow in holiness. Then, take some time to thank the Lord for this evidence of his love!

“Lord, help me to hold firm to your faithful love every time fear threatens my faith.”

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
(Psalm) Luke 1:69-75
Mark 4:35-41