Some programs focus on naming your secret fear. The idea is that with their help, you name, claim and tame what you secretly dread. There is a power in acknowledging what alarms you. What do you fear? What might cause you to tremble, or worry? Some are obvious: the death of a loved one, or our own, the loss of a job, crime, health.
At the beginning of the Gospel, the disciples are terrified by the storm outside. By the end they are terrified by the storm inside. They realise that they are in the presence of One who controls the elements. Isn't that the way we are? Either we are afraid of the storms or elements raging outside which have the power to destroy our lives or we are afraid of the Christ inside the boat with us who has the power to change our lives.
Some of us stay in the harbour of course, our faith is dry-docked. The problem is that we tend to be land-locked by fear, and don't sail out to the horizon with an unquenchable faith? Others set out in boats with false gods which exist in every age. Our wits in the market place, our ability at work, the image projected by our car or home or the "success" of our children. Don't sell yourself short. With Christ on board, fear is never necessary or justified.
(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )