TAKE HEART, IT IS I, HAVE NO FEAR. (Homily for August 2, 2016. Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary time.)


Bible Study: Jeremiah 30, 1 to 22 and Matthew 14, 22 to 36.


To have compassion is to take in the pain of others as if they were yours. It is being able to put yourself in other people’s shoes, feel their plight and alleviate their wounds. It was out of compassion that God felt decided to give us the gift of his only Son Jesus. One way we resemble God is in our ability to feel the pains of others and come to their aid. To love is to transcend oneself, that is, to go beyond the tiny world of me, myself and I. In today’s Gospel passage, we see different dimensions of the compassionate heart of God in the person of Jesus.

First, Jesus was alone praying on the mountain and from there he could see that the disciples were in danger as their boat was beaten by the waves. He could have left them on their own to practise their faith but out of compassion, he came to them walking on water to alleviate their PHYSICAL plight.

Second, Jesus knew that the reason they were scared to death was their SPIRITUAL immaturity. This was clearly represented in Peter’s inability to walk confidently on water and once again he showed compassion by helping Peter get to his feet when he was about to drown on the water.

Third, upon reaching the land of Gennasaret, Jesus again showed the depth of his compassion for the SICK who were brought to them by reaching out to heal them. It was even such that those who touched the fringe of his garment received healing.

In moments of fear, anxiety and faced with life’s tough challenges, in moments where things seem no longer to be working, when our boat becomes tossed on every side by the waves of sickness, doubt and lack, let us keep reminding ourselves of these words of Jesus. Take heart, it is I, have no fear. Always picture Jesus walking on water towards you, that is, in that very situation you feel is overwhelming to you, see Jesus on top of it telling you to fear not. Jesus has a compassionate heart. He cares for you and he will never abandon or forsake you.

Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, open my heart to trust you deeper and deeper every day. Amen.

Good morning. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.

Fr. Abu.


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