Tuesday, 2 July 2024. Readings: Amos 3:1-8,4:11-12, Ps. 5:5-8, Matthew 8:23-27
“Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26)
Behold, there arose a great storm at sea. The waves swamped the boat, but Jesus was asleep. Just as the disciples were shocked to find Jesus sleeping while facing a great storm, many of us today cannot understand where God is amid various crises threatening our lives. Is it possible that Jesus was not aware of the storm and that the boat was at the point of sinking?
- Jesus, who could see from a distance what the disciples were facing at sea and walked towards them (Cf. Matthew 14:23-26), was fully aware of the storm even though he appeared to be sleeping. When it seems as if God is sleeping, that is precisely when we need to trust Him more because, at such moments, we are just being tested. Jesus wanted to see the disciples' reaction, to know if they had learnt anything thus far.
- As St. James puts it: “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4). From the early days of Christianity till now, Christians have always been the subject of attack, persecution, and all sorts of injustice. Jesus even said that a time is coming when whoever kills us will think he is offering a service to God. (Cf. John 16:2)
- The question is not whether or not we will face trials—this is certain—but how do we respond in such moments? Faced with the storms, the disciples expected the worst; they cried out, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” Jesus was disappointed with them not because they prayed but because they prayed with fear; that is, they were not expecting their prayers to be answered.
- Jesus asked them: “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” God is not happy with us when we go down on our knees praying from morning till night, yet deep inside us, we are still full of fear and worry. This is why Jesus warned us against using many words in prayer (Cf. Matthew 6:7). God has rescued his children from worse things than we are facing today. It may seem God is sleeping, but we know He cannot. Let us pray until something happens. Let us pray until Jesus gets up to say to the storms around us: “Be Still.” Let us pray like that woman who kept returning to the judge demanding justice until she got an answer. (Cf. Luke 18:1-8). Let our faith be large enough to swallow our fears.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to be calm and expect the best possible outcome when we fear. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 13 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Amos 3:1-8,4:11-12, Ps. 5:5-8, Matthew 8:23-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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