Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (30^th June, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Gen 21:5.8-20;

Ps 33:7-8.10-13. (R. v.7);

Matt 8:28-34.

Topic: The devil’s plan.

In today’s gospel, at the other side of the sea, two Gadarenes’ demoniacs met Jesus. Their condition was so bad that no one could pass that way. They shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” The demons begged Jesus to send them into a large herd of swine feeding nearby. On entering the swine, “suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the step bank into the sea and perished in the water” (Matt 8:32).

Matthew did not narrate what happened to the demoniacs when the demons left. Mark narrated it thus, “...the demoniac sitting there, clothed, and in his right mind, the very man who had the legion” (Mk 5:15; cf. Lk 8:35).

In the gospel according to Saint John, Jesus declared, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). The state of those men when they were still possessed by the demons and when the demons had left are incomparable. Jesus is the light of the world, cf. Jn 9:5. And whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life, cf. Jn 8:12.

However, “He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God” (Jn 1:11-12). We ought to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from us, cf. Jas 4:7.

Bible Reading: Jn 10:1-21.

Thought for today: Either for Jesus or for devil?

Let us pray: Lord, help us to be entirely for you – Amen.

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Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

 Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Aps (29^th June, 2021) on the Gospel and the Solemnity

 

Acts 12:1-11;

Ps 33:2-9. (R. v. 5 or v. 8);

2Tim 4:6-8.17-18;

Matt 16:13-19.

Today is the solemnity of the apostles Peter and Paul. Saint Peter was an apostle to the circumcised while Saint Paul was called to be an apostle to the uncircumcised, cf. Gal 2:7-9; Rom 11:13; Acts 9:15.

Saint Peter was son of Jonah (Matt 16:17) and brother of Saint Andrew (Matt 4:18; Mk 1:16; Jn 1:40). He was a native of Bethsaida, cf. Jn 1:44. There are two different accounts of his call. According to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he was called alongside his brother by the Lord while fishing, cf. Matt 4:18-20; Mk 1:16-18; Lk 5:1-11. But according to Saint John, Andrew was the one who brought Simon to Jesus, cf. Jn 1:35-42. Jesus was the one who named Simon, Cephas (Peter) meaning rock, cf. Matt 16:18; Jn 1:42b. He is the patron saint of fishermen, net makers, and ship builders.

On the other hand, Saint Paul was a Jew and a native of Tarsus in Cilicia. cf. Acts 9:11. 21:39. 22:3. He was brought up in Jerusalem and studied under Gamaliel, cf. Acts 22:3. Saint Paul was a great persecutor of the Church and was very determined to destroy it, Gal 1:13. He was converted while on his way to Damascus with a letter from the high priest to arrest every Christian he could found. He was baptized by Ananias with the name Paul, cf. Acts 9:1-18. 22:6-16. 26:12-18. Saint Paul is the patron saint of Missionaries, Theologians, and Gentile Christians.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul were martyred in Rome. Saint Peter’s was in c. 64 AD and that of Saint Paul was in c. 67.

Topic: Beyond what others said.

There is a saying in Igbo language, “Nwata tofee onye mụrụ, a jụbazịa onye ka ọ na-anụ ma ọ bụ onye na-anụ ya” literally meaning that at a point in one’s life, the question will move from ‘whose child?’ to either, ‘whose husband or wife?” In the development of human beings, a time comes when people will expect to see what a person has done and/or is doing. Look at how the letter to the Hebrews expressed it, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of God's word” (Heb 5:12; cf. 1Cor 3:2).

The letter to the Hebrews explains the importance of faith, “And without faith it is impossible to please him [God]. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6). Where does faith come from? Saint Paul explained, “faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ” (Rom 10:17). But faith should not be seen as something that comes automatically with hearing the gospel. Otherwise, the world would have been a better place.

In today’s gospel, Jesus first asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Although they offered a lot of answers but the whole thing seem to have served as an introduction to the main question, “But who do you say that I am?” It was Peter who declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him,

Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.... I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Faith is the product of the marriage between what is heard, read, and/or experienced and the inner person. Beyond what they said (ie, what one heard, read, and/or experienced) is one’s faith or lack of faith. Hence, Christ gives the power of becoming children of God only to those who received Him, and believed in His name, cf. Jn 1:12.

Beyond all you have heard, read, or experienced lies what, faith or lack of faith. Remember that in normal development of anything, at a point people would start to look for the essence of the thing in question. Saint Peter did not end up with what people said nor Saint Paul with the experience on his road to Damascus. It is very abnormal for one to remain at the level of what people say. God expects each of us to make his/her own confession. But it starts from what is really beyond what people say, faith or lack faith. Only he/she who is righteous through faith shall live, cf. Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11.

Bible Reading: Rom 10:5-21; Heb 11:1-40.

Thought for today: What lies beyond what you heard, read, and/or experienced?

Let us pray: Lord, we can do nothing without you. We humbly ask you for the gift of faith that will stand every test – Amen.

Saints Peter and Paul – Pray for us.

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Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, B.M

 Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, B.M (28^th June, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 

Gen 18:16-33;

Ps 102:1-4.8-11. (R. v. 8);

Matt 8:18-22.

Saint Irenaeus, was Bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul, then part of the Roman Empire (now Lyon, France). He was an early Church Father and apologist, and his writings were formative in the early development of Christian theology. His best-known book, Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies) is a detailed attack on Gnosticism, which was then a serious threat to the Church. His polemical work is credited for laying out the orthodoxies of the Christian church, its faith, its preaching and the books that it held as sacred authority.[1]

Topic: Following Christ.

Often, businesses are judged good or bad based on patronage. And sometimes while presenting them to people, certain things are left out just to ensure patronage.

In today’s gospel, we see two would-be Jesus’ disciples, a scribe and the other one. When the scribe informed Jesus of his intention to follow Him, Jesus explained to him one of the hazards of the business, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” We also see the necessity of following Christ in His response to the other who wanted to bury his father first, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Jesus wants all to follow Him, cf. Matt 28:19. Although, it has its own hazards yet it is wrong to abscond for any reason, cf. Acts 6:2. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father, but by Him, cf. Jn 14:6. Whatever one sacrificed for the sake of Christ is kept safe, cf. Matt 19:29; Mk 10:30.

Jesus wants you too onboard after the example of Saint Irenaeus we celebrate his victory tody. Will you accept or turn it down?

 Bible Reading: 1Tim 6:11-19.

Thought for today: Christ wants you too.

Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to follow You and to let the dead bury their own dead – Amen.

Saint Irenaeus – Pray for us.

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---

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irenaeus

Thirteenth Sunday of the Year (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Thirteenth Sunday of the Year (B) (27^th June, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24;

Ps 29:2.4-6.11-13 (R. V. 2);

2Cor 8:7.9.13-15;

Mk 5:21-43 or 5:21-24.35-43.

Topic: No Matter the situation.

Jesus was by the sea with the people who gathered around him when,

...one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live’ (Mk 5:22-23).

The condition of the little girl was really bad at the time Jairus left her. As if that was not enough, Jesus was still on His way when “... some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’” (Mk 5: 35). They thought it was useless bringing Jesus forgetting that we should trust in Him at all times and pour out our heart before Him because He is a refuge for us, cf. Ps 62:8.

Before the arrival of the people who brought the news of Jairus daughter’s death another figure came into the scene, “a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse” (Mk 5:25-26).

Just like Jairus who set out in search of Jesus for the cure of his little daughter, this woman who had heard about Jesus said to herself: “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well” (Mk 5:28). Both Jairus and this woman seemed to have realised one reality before setting out in search of Jesus: “... vain is the help of man” (Ps 60:11; cf. Ps 108:12).

The letter to the Hebrews reads: “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6). Hence when it looked like nothing could save Jairus’ daughter, Jesus said to Jairus: “Do not fear, only believe” (Mk 5:36) because nothing is impossible for him, cf. Matt 19:26; Mk 10:27; Lk 1:37; 18:27. And when the woman “...came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease’” (Mk 5:33-34).

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, what difference does your presence make or do you prefer to be just part of the crowd? Does your coming to church today make any difference or just one of those who come to church either because you are used to coming to church every Sunday, an opportunity to see someone or some people, and so on? Our brother Jairus and our sister who had suffered haemorrhages for twelve years ran to Jesus, where do you run to when the situation is really critical? It is important to note that although the crowd was pressing in on Jesus, He was able to notice that the woman touched Him. Hence the disciples were surprised at his insistence on finding who touched him but that was done with faith. There is no doubt that many if not all will say that they have faith in God.

We conclude with this story about a mountain climber. “The mountain climber, 4000 ft up the side of Mount Everest, suddenly slips. In a last ditch effort to save himself, he grabs at a small plant, protruding from the rocks and hangs on precariously. Not usually a religious man he decides this might be a good time to try prayer. Frantically clutching the plant he turns his head toward the heavens and says, ‘God, if you are up there, save me! I’ll do anything you say.’

“After a moment of silence a voice booms from above: ‘Do you have complete faith in me?’

“The climber replies: ‘Oh yes, I do. I’ll do anything you say.’

“God then says: ‘Take one of your hands off the plant.’

“The climber amazed gives it some thought and then quite reluctantly let’s go one hand. He says, ‘Okay God. I showed you I have faith. Now please save me.’

“There is a moment of silence. Then God says, ‘If you really have faith, let go the other hand also.’

“The climber looks up incredulously and asks, ‘What?’

“God replies, ‘Let go the other hand also.’

“After a moment of thought, the climber looks skyward and says, ‘Ah, excuse me, God, is there anyone else up there I could talk to?’” (Sagayanathan, A. (2009). Launching pad: Stories for Sunday Homilies year – A, B & C. Bangalore: Asian Trading Corporation, pp. 199-200).

It is Christ himself who tells us, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). And we hope for all our needs from God, cf. Matt 6:11; Lk 11:3; Ps 104:27. We must have strong faith in God No Matter the situation because “those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever” (Ps 125:1). And the prophet rightly proclaims: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD” (Jer 17:7).

Bible Reading: Matt 11:28-30; Heb 11:1-40; Ps 125; Ps 126.

Thought for today: When the situation looks really bad where do you turn to?

Let us Pray: God, you are the giver of faith. Give us strong faith that will enable us to stand firm no matter how bad the situation is – Amen.

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Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (26^th June, 2021) on the Gospel

(B.V.M. on Saturday, Opt. Mem)

 

Gen 18:1-15;

Lk 1:46-50.53-55. (R. cf. v. 54);

Matt 8:5-17.

Topic: Master-servant relationship.

Today’s gospel consists of two sections, namely: Jesus’ healing of a centurion’s servant, and the healing of many at Peter’s house. Our homily will focus on the first part.

A centurion met Jesus at Capernaum and pleaded, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and cure him.” But the centurion replied in part, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.” This is the origin of the response (profession of one’s faith) just before the reception of the Holy Communion. Jesus was amazed and said,

Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such a faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

This centurion was a special one. However, his servant must have been exceptional too. Otherwise, what prevented him from sending his servant/s?

When you relate with others especially those under you, do not forget that they are human beings. Again, your servant today can be your master tomorrow. Fellow servants, it is not easy for any head that wears the crown. Certainly, they err gravely. But that is not the thing. Please, when/where you wear the crown, do not repeat any of those things you complain about today.

Bible Reading: 1Jn 4:7-21.

Thought for today: A loving heart does not hate.

Let us pray: May God help us in our relationship with others – Amen.

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Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (25^th June, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Gen 17:1.9-10.15-22;

Ps 127:1-5. (R. v. 4);

Matt 8:1-4.

Topic: ...if you choose (Matt 8:2).

In today’s gospel, a leper came to Jesus. Kneeling before Him he prayed, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.”

Two things stand out in this prayer, the leper was not unaware that Jesus has the power to make him clean. However, it is another issue whether He wants to or not.

Often Christians do only remember that God can do all things forgetting that it is His will that prevails always. Hence, the Psalmist wrote, “Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases” (Ps 115:3).

Sometimes one wonders whether we listen to ourselves while praying especially the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus taught us in this prayer to pray always for the will of God to be done, cf. Matt 6:10. And in the moment of His Passion, He lived out what He taught us by praying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want” (Matt 26:39; cf. vv. 42.44).

Finally, it seems that many are afraid of the will of God in their lives. Have we forgotten the words of Saint Paul, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28)? It is important to note that praying for Jesus’ will to be done did not deprive the leper what he desired. Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!” The gospel reads further, “Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” God’s will is the best for each and every one of us in every circumstance.

Bible Reading: Matt 26:36-46.

Thought for today: Your will be done (Matt 6:10; cf. Matt 26:42).

Let us pray: Lord, give us the courage to ask for and accept your will always – Amen.

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Solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist

 Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist (24^th June, 2021) on the Gospel and the Solemnity

 

Is 49:1-6;

Ps 138:1-3.13-15. (R. v. 14);

Acts 13:22-26;

Lk 1:57-66.80.

We celebrate the birth of the voice that cried in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’ cf. Jn 1:23. The gospel described his parents thus,

...there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years (Lk 1:5-7).

Topic: Where many fail.

The message of angel Gabriel to Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist reads in part, “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth” (Lk 1:13-14).

In today’s gospel, people who rejoiced at his birth became an obstacle. With every good intention, they wanted the child to be named after his father, Zechariah in line with their custom. But Elizabeth and Zechariah followed God’s counsel which stands for ever, cf. Ps 33:11.

John came to prepare the way for the Lord, cf. Is 40:3; Mal 3:1; Matt 3:3. He never deviated from the call, cf. Matt 3:11; Jn 1:19-23; Acts 13:24-25; 19:4. When it was reported to him that Jesus was baptising and that all were going to Him, he replied, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (cf. Jn 3:30).

We rejoice with Zechariah and Elizabeth today at the birth of John because they waited for God’s time to a point all considered hopeless. They never deviated from God’s will. Because the people were in expectation, it would have been very easy for John to steal the stage but he did not, cf. Lk 3:15. Yet Jesus described him as the greatest of all born of women, cf. Lk 7:28.

It is not only that the gate to true success is narrow and the way hard, but often the whole thing looks so stupid. Hence, many do not find it, cf. Matt 7:14. Never forget that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1Cor 1:25). Never leave God’s will for any other. And be the best of the person God created in you. Finally, “...in everything God works for good with those who love him” (Rom 8:28).

Bible Reading: Lk 1:5-25; Jn 3:22-30; Ps 33.

Thought for today: God’s counsel is assured.

Let us pray: God, help us to follow you wholeheartedly without looking to either right or left – Amen.

Saint John the Baptist – Pray for us.

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Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (23^rd June, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Gen 15:1-12.17-18;

Ps 104:1-4.6-9. (R. v.8);

Matt 7:15-20.

Topic: True definition.

Jesus warned in today’s gospel,

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.... every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruits.

Saint John also cautioned,

Beloved, do not believe every spirit.... By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God (1Jn 4:1-3a).

However, confessing Jesus Christ is not an action of the lips alone but of the whole person, cf. Is 29:13-14; Matt 15:8; Mk 7:6. It is living “a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10). Real confessing Jesus is in action, cf. Lk 3:8. 6:46; Matt 3:8.

Let no one be deceived with anything because “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2Cor 11:14). Children of God are light and “the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true” (Eph 5:9). It must possess the three qualities.

Finally, as you watch for others’ fruits, do not forget to bear yours because every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire, cf. Matt 3:10; Lk 3:9.

Bible Reading: 1Jn 4:1-6.

Thought for today: Bear fruits that are good, right, and true.

Let us pray: Lord, help us discern spirits correctly and bear good fruits – Amen.

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Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (22^nd June, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Gen 13:2.5-18;

Ps 14:2-5. (R. v.1);

Matt 7:6.12-14.

Topic: Standards upon standards.

Today’s gospel consists of teachings on what is holy (Matt 7:6), the golden rule (Matt 7:12), and the narrow gate (Matt 7:13-14). Our reflection will focus mainly on the golden rule. It reads: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets” (cf. Tob 4:15).

Irrespective of colours, tribes, qualifications, status, and so on, we all have the same father and one God, cf. Mal 2:10; Matt 23:9. Saint Paul rightly advised, “Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Col 4:1). Again, “Do not speak harshly to an older man, but speak to him as to a father, to young men as brothers, to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters – with absolute purity” (1Tim 5:1-2).

However, starting from the family, often one notices different standards even for children born of the same father and mother. While wealthy ones are treated as princes and princesses, others who may even be older are treated as outcasts. The case of maids is even worse. Sometimes one wonders whether they are really seen as human beings. As one moves from the nuclear families to the wider society and sadly even in some churches, the problem becomes more complicated. Examples can go on and on. We ought to be good to others irrespective of status, colour, race, and so on.

Bible Reading: Col 3:18 – 4:1; 1Tim 5:1-21.

Thought for today: Reflect on how you treat others starting from your family.

Let us pray: Lord, help us to be humble enough to see others as better human beings than ourselves – Amen (cf. Phil 2:3).

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Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Rel.

 Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Rel. (21^st June, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 

Gen 12:1-9;

Ps 32:12-13.18-20.22. (R. v.12);

Matt 7:1-5.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (March 9, 1568 – June 21, 1591) was an Italian aristocrat who became a member of the Society of Jesus after a four-year contest with his father who wanted him to be a military hero. While caring for the victims of an epidemic that struck Rome in 1591, he caught the disease and died a student. He was beatified on October 19, 1605, by Pope Paul V and canonized on December 31, 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII, all in Rome. He is the patron Saint of young students, Christian youth, Jesuit scholastics, the blind, AIDS patients, and AIDS care-givers.

Topic: Charity begins at home.

Maybe because a person cannot look at most parts of his/her own body without a mirror, many avoid looking at themselves completely and concentrate fully on others. Unfortunately, the images presented most often are so much distorted that they are very far from the reality. And these give rise to criticism, condemnation, and so on.

Jesus questions in today’s gospel,

Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye (Matt 7:3-5).

Imagine the noise in our society today. People are yet to find anything to show for all these. Judging others is not an escape route from one’s sins; it condemns the judges themselves, cf. Rom 2:1.3. God will judge everybody both the righteous and the wicked on the appointed time, cf. Eccl 3:17. One’s delight ought to be in the fear of the LORD for He shall not judge by what His eyes see, or decide by what His ears hear, cf. Is 11:3.

Charity begins at home. Anybody who wants to effect any positive change must start from him/herself. Otherwise, it will be a replica of what our politicians do today intending to deceive the masses forever.

 Bible Reading: Rom 2:1-16.

Thought for today: The Lord will judge his people (Heb 10:30).

Let us pray: Lord, help us transform our society by changing our lives – Amen.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga – Pray for us.

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Twelfth Sunday of the Year (B)

 Homily (Reflection) for the Twelfth Sunday of the Year (B) (20^th June, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Job 3:1.8-11;

Ps 106:23-26.28-31 (R. V. 1);

2Cor 5:14-17;

Mk 4:35-41.

Certainly those who grew up in the rural areas will be conversant with what happened in the story Father Sagayanathan took from Saint Francis de Sales’ letter. It was about a custom of the country district in which Saint Francis lived. “He had often noticed a farm servant going across a farmyard to draw water at the well; he also noticed that, before she lifted the brimming vessel, the girl always put a piece of wood into it. One day – he went out to the girl and asked her, ‘Why do you do that?’ she looked surprised and answered, as if it were a matter of course, ‘Why? To keep the water from spilling ... to keep it steady!’” (Sagayanathan, A. (2009). Launching pad: Stories for Sunday Homilies year – A, B & C. Bangalore: Asian Trading Corporation, pp. 196-197).

Topic: “... Why are you afraid?” v. 40.

At every point, each person is faced with options of what to take and what not to take; what to do and what not to do, and so on. And whatever choice one makes goes a long way determining whether or not one will be successful and to what extent. That was exactly what confronted the apostles in today’s gospel. When Jesus said to them: “Let us go across to the other side” (Mk 4:35) they could opted otherwise. And heeding to that, “... leaving the crowd behind, they took him [Jesus] with them in the boat, just as he was” (Mk 4:36). Again, they could have opted for the crowd. And again, I see in the expression “just as he was” that they did neither manufacture another Jesus nor applied some cosmetics to Him as some do today (cf. 2Cor 11:4).

When one is settling for any choice, it is important to remember that there is a price for every choice. While they were in the sea with Jesus, “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped” (Mk 4:37). And the gospel reads further: “But he [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him. ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’” (Mk 4:38). Just imagine what would have been their fate if they had opted for the crowd.

Again, being an all-knowing God, cf. 1Jn 3:20; Deut 2:7; Ps 44:21; 94:11; Matt 6:32; Lk 12:30, there is no doubt that Jesus knew what was happening even as He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion because He who is with them neither slumbers nor sleeps, cf. Ps 121:4. He did not do anything until “‘they woke him up and said to him. ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’” There is need for us to pray always, cf. Matt 26:41; Mk 14:38; Lk 22:40, 46. Hence Saint Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians rightly admonishes us to “pray constantly” (1Thess 5:17; cf. Eph 6:18).

It is important to note that Jesus was with his apostles from the beginning of their action of crossing the sea. Sometimes it does seem that some do forget Jesus either entirely or only involve Him when, where, and how they think either they do not know what else to do or just as one of the options. If one takes Jesus to where ever he/she goes and to whatever he/she does, there will be no room for fear. We read from the prophet Nahum: “The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; he protects those who take refuge in him” (Nah 1:7). And again, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). Hence, Jesus asks: “Why are you afraid?” (verse 40).

But for one to go for God, one must leave the rest (the crowd) because no one can serve two masters at a time, cf. Matt 6:24; Lk 16:13. The concluding verse of today’s gospel reads: “And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’” (Mk 4:41). He is “... our only Master and Lord” (Jude 1:4). But the problem seems to be that “The ox knows its owner, and the ass its master's crib; but Israel does not know, my people does not understand” (Is 1:3). Hence God asks: “A son honours his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honour? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you...” (Mal 1:6). One’s decision for either God or the crowd is made known only through faith and the faith through action, cf. Jas 2:17.

Saint Francis in his letter to a friend later on told that story we had seen in the introductory part of this homily and added, “‘So when your heart is distressed and agitated, put the Cross into its centre to keep it steady!’ In every time of storm and stress, the presence of Jesus and the love which flows from the Cross bring peace and serenity and calm” (Sagayanathan, A. (2009). Launching pad: Stories for Sunday Homilies year – A, B & C. Bangalore: Asian Trading Corporation, p. 197).

Bible Reading: Nah 1:7-11; Rom 8:18-30; 12:1-8; Gal 6:6-10; Acts 1-17.

Silent Prayer: When did you last involve God in your decisions and actions sincerely?

Let us Pray: Our Lord Jesus Christ, although we had often turned aside thinking we could do it better without you, we sincerely ask you to be always with us in every stage of whatever we do  – Amen (cf. Rom 3:12).

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