HOMILY FOR THE 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A. (6)

HOMILY FOR THE 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.

THEME: DO NOT FEAR, I AM WITH YOU.

BY: Fr Tony-Austin Etim, CSSp.

FIRST READING: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

SECOND READING: Romans 9:1-5

GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33

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Dear brothers and sisters,

In our journey of faith, we may encounter moments of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. It is during these times that we must turn to the Word of God for guidance and inspiration. Let us draw our attention to the passages from 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a, Romans 9:1-5, and Matthew 14:22-33, which offer us profound insights into our relationship with God and the challenges we face.

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In 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a, we witness the prophet Elijah in a state of despair. He had just experienced a great victory, where God had manifested His power through him. However, when confronted with the threat of Jezebel, Elijah found himself overwhelmed with fear and doubt. Fleeing into the wilderness, he sought refuge in a cave. It is in this place of solitude that he encountered God. God did not reveal Himself in the mighty wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This encounter reminds us that God often speaks to us in the quiet moments, in the depths of our being. We must learn to listen attentively, for it is in the stillness of our hearts that we can discern the voice of God.

In Romans 9:1-5, the apostle Paul expresses his anguish and deep sorrow for the salvation of his fellow Israelites. Despite his own personal success as an apostle to the Gentiles, Paul’s heart breaks for his own people who have yet to accept Jesus as the Messiah. This passage reminds us of the importance of compassion and empathy towards others. It calls us to pray fervently for those who have yet to encounter the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Our love for others should compel us to share the Good News and to intercede on their behalf, just as Paul did.

In Matthew 14:22-33, we witness the disciples battling against a stormy sea. It is a remarkable event that holds profound significance for our lives today.

After feeding the multitude with just five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the sea. As the disciples set sail, a fierce storm arose, tossing their vessel mercilessly in the raging waters. Fear gripped their hearts as they battled against the wind and the waves, their future uncertain and their strength waning.

In the darkest hours of the night, Jesus, their beloved Master, came to them, walking on the water. Imagine the awe and astonishment that must have filled their hearts at the sight of their Lord defying the laws of nature. But instead of finding solace and comfort in His presence, fear consumed them. They cried out, “It’s a ghost!” Their minds clouded by terror, they failed to recognize the very One who had the power to calm the storm within and without.

It was in this moment of distress and fear that Jesus spoke His reassuring words, words that echo across time and reach us in our own storms of life: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” With these simple yet profound words, Jesus revealed His divine presence and dispelled their fears. And Peter, filled with a mixture of faith and doubt, boldly called out, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus responded, “Come.” And Peter stepped out of the boat, walking on the water towards Jesus.

But as Peter’s focus shifted from the Savior to the storm around him, doubt crept in, and he began to sink. Fear overwhelmed him, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand, catching hold of Peter and saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” And as they climbed back into the boat, the winds ceased, and the disciples worshiped Jesus, exclaiming, “Truly, You are the Son of God!”

My dear friends, this powerful passage resonates with us today, as we face the storms of life that threaten to engulf us. Just like the disciples, we find ourselves in the midst of turbulent circumstances, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and afraid. We encounter storms of sickness, loss, financial struggles, broken relationships, and uncertainty about the future. But in the midst of it all, Jesus comes to us, walking on the water, speaking to our troubled hearts, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

These words are not mere consolation; they are a divine proclamation of deliverance. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. Our Savior, who conquered sin and death, stands with us in the midst of the storm. He is our anchor of hope, our source of strength, and our deliverer from fear. When we fix our gaze upon Him, we find the courage to step out in faith, even when the waves threaten to overwhelm us.

May God come to our rescue in times of difficulty. Amen.

Peace Be With You.

SHALOM!

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