​God is with us and Mary is interceding for us! Happy Feast of the Assumption!

I guess that if we were to write down all the things we are worried, anxious or concerned about our list would go on for pages and pages. Just think of all the things we are worried about: parents worried about their children, people worried about their health or that of others, farmers worrying about the weather or their livestock, worries about stock market, worries about relationships, and worries about so many different things. Some of the worries even can stop our life.
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This weekend’s reading is about our faith and how we listen to God. God can come into our lives in unexpected ways and places. In the first reading we see that Elijah came out of the cave to see God. God was not in the roar of the wind, the crashing of rocks, or the earth quake, but in the tiny whispering sound. In the Gospel the disciples see Jesus walking on the water. I tell my family, God gave me the power to walk on the river and lake during winter. Jesus tells us that he is above the natural powers. Jesus told his terrified disciples, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." When we trust him and focus on his face, we can face the challenges. We see all was going well for Peter, but then he lost his focus on Christ.
 
There is story of lady and pastor. For the umpteenth time Mrs. Youngston came to her pastor to tell him, "I'm so scared! Joe says he's going to kill me if I continue to come to your church." "Yes, yes, my child," replied the pastor, more than a little tired of hearing this over and over. "I will continue to pray for you, Mrs. Youngston. Have faith - the Lord will watch over you." "Oh yes, He has kept me safe thus far, only....." "Only what, my child?" "Well, now Joe says if I keep coming to your church, he's going to kill YOU!" "Well, now," said the pastor, "Perhaps it's time for me to check out that little parish on the other side of town."
 
It is easy for us to read Jesus words, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." The question is whether we are able to take them into our hearts. It is not that easy. Like in the story, most of the time we are ready to escape.
 
Peter walked on water, but he was not doing this under his own power.  He was relying on the power of Jesus who was calling him to join him onto the sea. On August 15, we celebrate the feast of Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the perfect member of the church. She relied on God and said “yes” to his message. Mary’s assumption was a reward for her saintly life; this feast reminds us that we too must be pure and holy in body and soul, since our bodies will be glorified on the day of our resurrection. Mary is an inspiration for us in our moments of temptation and despair to remember that we have a powerful heavenly mother relied on God, and now constantly interceding for us before her son, Jesus, in heaven. On the Feast of Assumption we pray in a special way for life: Respect for life from the womb to tomb.