It is 28th January 2017. We celebrate the memorial of St Thomas Aquinas, Priest and the Doctor of the Church. The readings are from Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; and the Gospel from Mark 4:35-41. The first reading teaches us that we reach God and experience God only through faith. We all can perform everything through faith. Faith is indeed the gift from God. Faith gives us certainty, hope and clear conscience to reach where humans believe difficult and impossible. Faith is the light of the soul that wishes to illumine the path that leads and connects with the supreme and absolute light, God. Time and time again, God puts” our faith in several tests and expecting us to prove our allegiance to God through sacrifice and search for truth in new life in God. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval.” (Heb.11:1-2). The responsorial Verse praises, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited God’s people and redeemed them.” ( Lk.1:68). The Gospel reassures that faith expels the darkness and fear. In all our lives, there will be storms and tsunamis that can engulf us, even when we knew Jesus in our life boat. Jesus calms all the storm when we have faith in Him completely. The rewards and the approval comes by true faith in Jesus. We are all in the Hands of God. Even if our boats are at the verge of sinking by any rough sea, through our faith in Jesus, we can all get over it. Everything will pass by when Jesus is near. At times, it seems though God is inactive and taking a rest for good. Through the struggles and storms of lives God is strengthening us and making us people of inner strength and courage to face come what may. Our God shows compassion, concern and consideration when we struggle. With the faith, we have in Jesus, we must face any adversity head on. We cannot ‘cross over to the other side,’ (Mk.4:35) without faith in Jesus. May the Lord strengthen our faith in times of weakness and hopelessness. May you have a good day.