Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 19:15-29; Psalm 26:2-3, 9-10, 11-12; Matthew 8:23-27
Summary
When God destroyed the cities of the Plain, he remembered Abraham and sent Lot away from the upheaval that occurred when God overthrew the cities where Lot had been living (Gen 19:29). Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm (MT 8:24-26).
The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey? (MT 8:27)”
Reflection
It is not immediately obvious these two acts are about saving humans. In Genesis, the Lord destroys these cities that were oppressing people in very dramatic ways. The oppression so severe as to warrant a visit by angels to confirm. An oppression so severe as to threaten all cities and towns in the proximity and beyond – all towns and all cities! In the second instance, Jesus saves those in the boat from a dramatic and severe natural storm. In both cases demonstrating the loving providence of the Lord.
How do we receive the loving care of the Lord? Not the same for everyone!
We Own our individual responses to the Lord
- The Men – They replied, “Stand back! This man,” they said, “came here as a resident alien, and now he dares to give orders! We will treat you worse than them!” With that, they pressed hard against Lot, moving in closer to break down the door (Gen 19:9). These Men had no faith nor fear of God.
- The Family – So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had contracted marriage with his daughters. “Come on, leave this place,” he told them; “the LORD is about to destroy the city.” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking (Gn 19:14). The Sons-in-law had no center of gravity.
- The Wife – But Lot’s wife looked back, and she was turned into a pillar of salt (Gen 19:16). The Wife was inattentive to the dangers.
Personal Reflection
Our response to the Lord is hardly ever perfect but the actions of the Lord are perfect even if we cannot understand in the moment. The disciples had their faith challenges too. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (MT 8:25).
The words of Jesus echo in all our hearts: Why are you terrified, O you of little faith? (MT 8:26).
There are violent storms in life – some naturally occurring and some manmade. You have faith, yes? Then remember the little faith and pray!
Terrified? Pray.
Little faith – well, life is easier with strong faith but little will do too!
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070125.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Sometimes, God test us through the storm. It’s the faith in Him which gives us the strength and helps us to sail through the storm.
Peace 🙏
Yes! I was just thinking how even a little faith is sufficient – the twin message. Pray and trust, more. Love your comment!! And always happy to hear from you, Dr.
🙏
Peace, my friend.