Standing on the rock of faith

The sea is surging and the waves are high:  but we have nothing to fear because we stand on a rock—the rock of faith.  Let the sea surge with all the power at its command, and let the waves rise as high as mountains; the rock on which we stand will remain firm and unshaken.  Do I fear death?  No, because on the rock of faith I know that death is the gateway to eternal life.  Do I fear exile?  No, because on the rock of faith I know that I am never alone; Christ is always beside me, my friend and my brother.  Do I fear slander and lies?  No, because on the rock of faith I know that I am always protected by the truth—Christ who is the truth, is my protector.  Do I fear poverty?  No, because on the rock of faith God also provides for my needs.  Do I fear ridicule?  No, because however low I may sink in the esteem of those without faith, on the rock of faith all are treated with respect.  Far from fearing the surge of the sea, I enjoy it, because it assures me that the rock on which I stand is immovable.  St. John Chrysostom