19th Sunday In Ordinary Time - A

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9,11-13; Psalm 84:9-14; 

Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, today the liturgy of the word, invite us all to see the level of our Trust in God. From time to time there are stormy situations in our lives, sometimes we prevail and grow stronger in our faith and sometimes we falter. Times of testing and adversity can show us where we are in our spiritual development and where we need to improve if we are to grow to in Christian maturity. In the Gospel reading we see how the disciples were afraid of the strong wind as they were going to the other side of the shore, because Jesus was not with them. This particular event happens after the feeding of five thousand people. When the disciples experienced the mighty storm, they thought to themselves that they were going to perish as a result they were crying out for help. At this time they saw someone coming towards them. They thought that it is a ghost, to which Jesus says, “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” These are  the words of assurance to his disciples, who were crying out for help. Secondly, when Peter wanted to confirm it is the Lord, Peter says, Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus.  Having received the command from Jesus, Peter goes to Jesus by walking on the water, no problem what so ever, but  the moment when he felt the force of the wind he he took fright and began to sink and began to  cry for help, saying ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Then Jesus put out his hand at once and held him and told him ‘Man of little faith’. In all these moments we could see, how Jesus did not let Peter drown in the midst of personal trial. This shows how Jesus was patient with him. When Jesus said to Peter “ Man of little faith” Jesus did not humiliate Peter for his failure, rather encouraged him to a stronger faith in the future. Yes, in this event we understand how God is telling us all, to stand firm, during the time of stormy wind in our lives. Let us always remember these words of Jesus to Peter: “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” So, let us lead our lives placing our deep trust in His Word. God bless!