Stepping Out of the Boat

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

09 August 2026

 

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:19a, 11-13a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

“Where are my glasses?!” yelled a father who misplaced his eyeglasses for the 100th time inside his own house. He lifted the sofa, took out the bed, even opened the freezer to look for his glasses. His toddler then pointed to his head, “It’s there, papa!” The father reached up and felt a familiar piece of plastic resting on his head. He pulled it out, but instead of putting it on, he looked at it suspiciously, “Are you sure these are mine?”. Of all the people in the family, he is the only one wearing eyeglasses (and often misplaces it).

~~~

Life is rarely a calm and predictable sea. In our modern daily lives, we are constantly bombarded by storms – financial struggles, health crises, broken relationships, and the overwhelming noise of the world. When the waters are calm, we easily fall into the illusion of self-reliance, trusting our own intellect and resources and sail through the journey when conditions are favorable. But when the winds howl and we begin to sink under the waves of anxiety, our "little faith" is heavily tested.

Like Peter, we often take our eyes off Jesus, worrying instead on the terrifying storm around us. We stubbornly insist on doing things all by ourselves, waiting until we are drowning to look up and cry out to God. Yet, Christ’s invitation remains steady: He calls us to step out of the boat and come to Him on the turbulent waters, challenging us to trust His presence even when doubt clouds our minds. We must remember that God does not always announce Himself in the earthquake or the roaring wind; oftentimes, as Elijah learned, He speaks in a tiny, whispering sound, waiting for us to silence our hearts and listen.

We live in a world filled with constant noise – endless notifications, demanding schedules, and our own anxieties. If we try to tackle everything by ourselves, this overwhelming noise easily drowns out God's quiet guidance. We must learn to pause our busy lives long enough to hear the gentle, tiny whisper of the Lord directing our steps and calming our personal storms.

During difficult times, our doubts are often fueled by a misunderstanding of what God is actually providing. When a storm hits, we want an immediate, flawless rescue. God’s presence is proven in His daily, silent provision of exactly what we need to sail through the storm. As St. Paul assures us in last week’s reading, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. In today’s reading, St. Paul demonstrates a radical, selfless compassion that differs greatly with today's “hyper-individualism”. It is incredibly easy for us to become completely indifferent to the struggles and mistakes of those around us, passing quick judgments rather than offering grace that we have received when Christ pulled us out from the water during our own difficult moments.

St. Paul’s example challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we openly pray for the wellbeing, healing, and salvation of our difficult neighbors or family members? True compassion requires stepping outside of our own occupied journeys to share in the heavy burdens of others.

Let us not lose our little faith when the waters rise or when we begin to sink. Instead, let us trust God with our whole heart that even without stepping out of the boat, He has already revealed Himself to save us from the storm. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we ask for the grace to strengthen our little faith especially when life’s storms overwhelm us. We often search desperately for You in the noise, forgetting You are already with us. Silence our anxious hearts so we may hear Your gentle whisper and show compassion to those around us. Dearest Mother Mary, intercede for us. Help us keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting that even without stepping out of the boat, He is already here to save us from the storm. AMEN.

Internal Storms

    

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 June 2024

 

First Reading: Jb 38:1, 8-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31

Second Reading: 2 Cor 5:14-17

Gospel: Mk 4:35-41

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

In today's Gospel, a storm almost swamped the boat where Jesus and His disciples were. While the disciples were frightful, the Lord "was in the stern, asleep on a cushion" (Mk 4:38). Pierre Marie Dumont commented "For us Christians, this boat represents more particularly the Church, which will have to confront many storms along its voyage until the end of time, storms in which external forces are unleashed, but also unfortunately, even more dangerous internal storms."

Early this month, Saint Joseph de Gagalangin Parish (Tondo, Manila) was in the eye of an internal storm. Fr. Alfonso "Al" Valeza, its parochial administrator was removed from office and suspended from exercising his priestly faculties due to his persistent defiance. Obedience is one of the vows made by priests during their ordination. To make matters worse, some of his supporters came to his defense to the point of disrespecting a retired bishop who came to the parish office to meet up with the priest.

Storms like the above can hurt or even dishearten us. Like the disciples, we cry, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" (Mk 4:38). Jesus' power of calming the storm shows that He cares. Believing that He cares, these storms can make us better Christians. Indeed, as St. Paul tells us, "whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Cor 5:17).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, even the wind and the sea obey You. Our disobedience has contributed to the internal storms besetting Your family, the Church. Filled with awe on Your power, transform us into a new creation: a people who will live no longer for ourselves, but for You. We pray in particular for Fr. Al and for Saint Joseph de Gagalangin Parish. Grant them the grace to overcome these storms. Amen.

Presensiya ng Diyos: The Faith in God amid uncertainty

    

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 August 2023

 

First Reading: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

Second Reading: Rom 9:1-5

Gospel: Mt 14:22-23

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

When I was a child, whenever it rained, I would always make a mini boat out of a small piece of paper. Then I will let it float on a ditch and see how far it can go. However, since it is a paper, it easily submerged especially when it was raining. In the Gospel, Jesus made the disciples to get in the boat and go on the other side and there, the faith of the disciples was tested.

The theme of the readings for today is faith. Faith is a personal response to God's self-revelation and an acknowledgment of His truth. It is a gift from God, given to us through His grace. Through faith, we come to know and believe in the presence of God, the truths taught by Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Church.

One of the unique ways of seminary formation of Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol is having the community thrust. Community thrust is a word or phrase that comes up through sharing of past experiences and will serve as a foundation to be lived for one year. On my first year, the community thrust that we had was PRESENSYA NG DIYOS. This community thrust came up because of the experience of faith in God in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic where each of us has experienced the presence of God even in the uncertainty of the event. Some of us have experienced anxiety and it was really an experience of test of faith for us.

The Gospel story of Peter walking on water is a profound reminder of the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, especially when facing the storms of life. Like Peter, we often find ourselves surrounded by challenges, fears, and uncertainties. Yet, if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, if we trust in His presence and power, we can walk on water too, navigating through life's difficulties with courage and hope.

However, the moment we allow fear, doubt, or distractions to divert our gaze from Jesus, we start sinking into the waters of despair and anxiety. Like Peter, we need to call out to Jesus in our moments of weakness, saying, "Lord, save me!" He is always ready to extend His hand and lift us up from the depths of our struggles.

In the face of life's storms, let us foster a life of prayer and intimacy with Jesus. Prayer allows us to hear the gentle whispering of God's voice in our hearts, guiding us through life's challenges. Regularly spending time with the Lord in prayer and reflection strengthens our faith and helps us keep our focus on Him amidst the storms.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You tested your disciples, their courage and trust in You that lead them to see how important their faith is in You. Lord Jesus, we ask for courage to have faith and trust in You by letting us experience Your presence in our daily lives so that we may be able to face the challenges and the storms in our lives. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ika-12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Ika-20 ng Hunyo 2021 

 

First Reading (Unang Pagbasa): JB 38:1, 8-11

Responsorial Psalm (Salmong Tugunan): 107: 23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31

Second Reading (Ikalawang Pagbasa): 2 COR 5:14-17

Gospel (Mabuting Balita): MK 4:35-41

 

Repleskyon

Ni: Nats Vibiesca

 

Bilang tao, mabilis tayong nadadala ng takot kapag may biglaang pagsubok sa ating buhay. Ang iba sa atin ay natataranta agad. Hindi makapag-isip nang maayos. Hindi makakilos. Ang tanging magagawa natin ay sumuko agad at maghanap ng makakaramay o makakatulong sa atin. Ganito ang nangyari sa kuwento ng ating Ebanghelyo ngayon, habang patawid sa kabilang ibayo sina Jesus kasama ang Kanyang mga alagad, nang biglang dumating ang unos at matinding hampas ng alon ang kanilang sinagupa.

Pero ito'y isang pangyayari lamang sa buhay ni Jesus at ng mga alagad, hindi naman ito araw araw na nararanasan nila. Ang nakakagulat lang ay biglaan ito at hindi inaasahan, na kung tutuusin ay matutugunan sana ng ilang mangingisdang alagad ni Jesus kung delikadong maglayag dahil may parating na bagyo. Ito ang halimbawa ng pagtutulad sa buhay natin bilang mga Kristiyano na may mga araw na talagang dumarating ang biglaang bagyo ng buhay o sinusubok ang ating katatagan at kung minsan pa ay hindi tayo nakahanda. Pero parang sinasabi ni Jesus sa panahon natin na chillax lang tayo, chill lang tayo, no worries dapat. Una, hindi naman araw araw ang bagyo sa ating buhay, kaya't hindi dapat mag-alala nang labis, kumbaga'y huwag nating hayaang tumambay ang problema, palipasin lang natin; pangalawa, hindi naman nawawala sa paningin natin si Jesus, lagi natin Siyang kasama sa anumang paglalayag upang mahingan natin ng tulong. Kahit pa nga magsama-sama ang mga eksperto sa dagat na mga mangingisdang mga alagad ni Jesus ay wala silang magagawa kapag may malakas na unos na dumating, pero kung kasama natin ang Diyos sa bangka, hindi tayo dapat matakot tulad ng sinabi ni Jesus na kailangan lang na magkaroon tayo ng malaking pananampalataya sa Diyos.

Ang isa pang nakaantig sa akin sa pangyayaring ito ay nang gisingin ng mga alagad si Jesus dahil nag-aalala na nga sila nang lubos at sinabi nila: "Guro", anila, "di ba ninyo alintana? Lulubog na tayo!" Bigla kong naalala ang isa sa mga alituntunin ng mga guro na-dapat makinig sa kanilang mga estudiyante sa panahon na sila ay natatakot dahil sa kanilang mga problema, at tumulong sa abot ng kanilang makakaya. Para sa mga kapwa ko guro, lalo na ang mga matatagal na sa serbisyo (mahigit isang dekada na rin ako sa bokasyon ng pagtuturo) madalas na sila ang nakakakita sa mga kalagayan ng kanilang mga estudiyante; naririnig nila ang mga hinaing nito sa buhay; kung hindi makapagtapat ng problema sa mga magulang o kaibigan, ang mga estudiyante'y sa guro nila nilalabas ito, kumbaga'y nagiging shock absorber ang mga guro ng samu't saring unos sa buhay ng mga bata. Sapagkat likas na yata sa mga guro ang laging mahinahon sa panahong binabayo tayo ng unos; nakikinig nang mabuti sa mga sinasabi at sa mga gustong sabihin na hindi masabi-sabi; sa madaling salita'y napakasensitibo sa damdamin ng mga estudiyante na madaling napapasuko ng pagsubok; at ginagawan ng paraan kung anuman ang maitutulong kahit kung minsan ay napakahirap, o kahit pa nga dumaraan din sa iba't ibang pagsubok o bagyo ng buhay ang mga guro, tulad ni Jesus ay mananatiling kalmado, matatag ang pananampalataya upang mapatahimik ang hangin sa dagat.

 

Panalangin

 

Panginoong Jesus, hindi kami magsasawang humingi ng tulong sa Iyo kung humaharap kami sa mga bagyo ng buhay. Bagama't napakaliit ng aming pananampalataya at napakadaling mawalan ng pag asa, patuloy kaming nagsusumamo sa Diyos upang mailigtas ang aming kaluluwa sa kapahamakan. Amen.

 

 

 

On the Same Sea

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 9 August 2020
First reading 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13

At that place Elijah came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by. ” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Second reading                                                          Romans 9:1-5

I am speaking the truth in Christ-I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit- I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Gospel                                                                          Matthew 14:23-33

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.

Immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid. ” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water. ” He said, “Come. ” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Reflection

By Bernard M. Borja

Let me share a story about a fisherman and his son:

One late evening, a fisherman took his 13-year old son with him on a boat and went fishing. They threw their nets out when they were at the middle of the sea and waited. As the hours passed by, the weather was becoming rough. The wind blew stronger and the waves started crashing to both sides of their boat. The fisherman was afraid but not because of the storm. He was used to this kind of weather ever since he was a young fisherman. This time, he was afraid for his son. This was his son’s first fishing at the middle of the sea. He was being tossed from both ends of the boat as the wind got stronger and the waves got bigger. But the look on the boy’s face made him curious and somehow enough to calm the fear of the fisherman. His face shows as if everything will be fine.

“Don’t worry, father. All is well with us. The storm will pass in a while.” said the boy with such an assuring look in his eyes. As they both tried to pull the nets, they saw another boat not far from where they are. It was full of people trying to hold on for their lives. But the fisherman and his son were stunned when a white figure appeared near where the struggling men are.

“Father, look!” said the boy pointing at the white figure. “I think I know that man!” The fisherman was astounded not because he also recognized the man, but they were seeing him walking on the water and unfazed by the strong winds. Suddenly, they saw one man going out of the other boat and tried to get near the man in white. The fisherman and his son were amazed to see that the man who came from the boat can also walk on water. But after a few steps from the boat, the man began to sink and was crying out for help. The man in white reached out his hand to pull the sinking man and they both got back into the boat. Suddenly, the storm passed and the sea became calm as if nothing happened.

The fisherman asked his son, “How did you find the courage and believe that the storm will not take us? I was afraid that you might despair and cry out when we were getting hit by the waves. But it was you who assured me that everything is well.” The boy said to him, “Because you are with me. I know that any father would not mean harm to his child especially if he wants to teach his good ways. I am the son of a fisherman who still insists on fishing in spite of the rough weather and even if his family does not want him to go.

But most of all, before we even got into the boat, our supper made me trust someone who I know will take care of us even if he is not near. It was you who wanted to go and listen to that man before we go fishing. We only have five loaves and two fish which are enough to sustain us in the middle of the sea while fishing. But when I offered these to that man, he multiplied it and shared the food to everyone who was also there. We still have more when we return home. That moment, I knew that all will be well if we trust that God will take care of our needs.”

The fisherman smiles as he says, “You’re right, son. I am somehow ashamed to have forgotten the grace we have received yesterday. But seeing that same man who we listened to, walking on the water while the storm got terrible, I had a feeling that he will save not just that boat full of men, but also all the other boats in this sea.”

Of course this story is not in the Bible, but somehow this alternate story may remind us that the saving grace of God will always be for all. As St. Paul said, even the Jews and Gentiles in spite of their unbelief, are included in the divine plan of eternal salvation. The apostle was even willing to be excluded from this salvation if it will help his fellow Jews understand and believe that Christ is the Messiah.

Trusting is one big part of the whole plan. But being aware of the presence of God is as important as trusting and believing. Today, we are invited to become aware of God’s presence as He continues to reveal Himself to us in this difficult time. Just like how God revealed Himself to Elijah through a light whispering sound (a sound like silence), we need to constantly seek God through silence and be able to dwell in His presence. Though in the middle of this storm, we might have doubts arising like the disciples in the sea. But we must remember how Jesus revealed himself saying, “It is I. Take courage.”

The disciples,especially Peter, did not immediately recognize Jesus. Peter still insisted for Jesus to reveal Himself again through something extraordinary. Jesus responded to Peter’s request, and Peter was able to walk on water. But even in walking, Peter may not still be aware of the presence of Jesus. Only because of the strong winds, and as he started to sink, did he acknowledge that Jesus is with them.

Maybe we are like Peter. After all the extraordinary things we have witnessed in our life, we still seek more of it. Maybe because we are used to being aware of the presence of God in the grander events in our life. God is inviting us to find Him in all things, most especially in ordinary things. Today, we may be in the middle of the sea being tossed by the waves because of a violent storm, but looking at how the men and women in white (our healthcare workers) extend their reach to the needy may remind us of how Jesus pulled Peter out of the water. God also reveals Himself today through simple things like a prayer that we came across social media, which also moved us to pray; or a phone call from a loved one who really wants to see and embrace us but are not able to, which remind us that all will be well in time; or the provisions that we have which enables us to give a portion to the needy, but still have enough for our own household.

Finding God today may be difficult if we can only see the pain and suffering. But these pain and suffering may help us cry out to God, Who helps us see and feel His consolation through the people who continue to give without counting the cost, the people who work hard but do not seek rest, and through the people who continue to serve even without receiving any reward.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for staying with us always to assure us that everything will be well. Help us to trust in You always and be aware of Your presence in all things. In moments of doubts, we ask You not to turn away but pull us out from the water as we sink. May we strengthen our faith as we continue to seek You in each other. Please continue to protect us especially our healthcare workers as they risk their lives in saving the lives of the sick. This we ask through the intercession of our dear Mother Mary. Amen.

Down in the Water

19th Sunday In Ordinary Time
13 August 2017

First reading

1 Kings 19:9,11-13

When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of the Lord, he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

---

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 84(85):9-14

                      Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

Second reading

Romans 9:1-5

What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood. They were adopted as sons, they were given the glory and the covenants; the Law and the ritual were drawn up for them, and the promises were made to them. They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.

---

Gospel Acclamation

cf.Lk19:38,2:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

My soul is waiting for the Lord,

I count on his word.

Alleluia!

---

Gospel

Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’

REFLECTION

by Theresa Ballo

Today’s Gospel clearly manifest the very nature of faith. The willingness to plunge ourselves into a messy world and expect an encounter with Jesus there. It is the nature of faith to rise above the normal “rules” of mediocrity to see the possibilities of what it might bring into our personal being. It is the nature of faith even to waver from time to time, when it has stepped into the chaotic, unfamiliar ground. Because as Peter experienced, Jesus is there where the safety nets are being redrawn, extending life-giving stability.

Peter in his human weakness doubted Jesus, in his fear, he started to sink in the sea. When he lost his eyes on Jesus, He never left him. He was there, watched, stayed and grabbed him. He didn’t use Peter’s failure as a teaching moment to the disciples. He doesn’t use our frailties to brag His power. Even when we are not faithful, God is faithful in us.

Being in a relationship for the first time and at 27 years old was so far my last significant walking on water in a stormexperience. At 25, after years of discernment, I was sure I am not for religious vocation. Therefore, being in the vocation of marriage one has to find his/her partner, the one true love. So, I started my quest in my travels, meeting new people, attending webinars on how to become more confident with men, participating in speed dating and most of all going to novena masses in St. Jude for that intention. Growing up, I’ve had personal issues with men. It took some time of spiritual healing and professional help before I involved myself with all these activities. So, after these joyous, tiring, frustrating explorations, I found someone whom I would like to get to know deeper and put down all my defenses, or better to say, someone I can be vulnerable. For so long, I knew that I was ready yet staying committed was another story. My default was to run away from stressful situations. I was afraid. The fears and pessimism outlived the excitement of having a boyfriend for the first time. Nonetheless, I heard God speaking to me, I thought you want to have a family? Why worry so much? Here’s a man I have prepared for you.

Like Peter, I was scared of sinking. I have lots of what ifs and doubts. Nevertheless, I went off the boat and walked anyway. Our relationship is almost three years now. So far, it is like Philippine storms, at times it is still then the next day it would feel destructive. Unmet expectations and individual differences challenges each of our persons and our relationship. Yet most of the time, in humble gratitude and awe, I am seeing Jesus in him nearly every day.  Life is happier with him around and I am growing gracefully in this aspect. When I allowed God’s standards to be my standards, he is faithful to His promises.

Jesus wants us all to walk toward Him, in faith, on the “water” of our life. He wants us to cast aside our fears and commit to Him with a deep-seated faith. We are all like St. Peter, we want to walk on the water toward Jesus but the winds of doubt blend with the inner chaos of our own hearts, and the circumstances of our own life, our faith gets affected. Peter’s faith was tested – as ours is – everyday. All we have to do is ask, call out and pray. Maybe the reason why Jesus called Peter from the boat was to serve as a witness to the Church that accomplishing our mission in the midst of the storms of our lives is not in vain and promises are yet to be fulfilled.

Prayer

Father God,

Thank You for the gift of faith. Thank You for assuring us of Your love and providence. Strengthen our faith, O Lord. There are a lot of times that we get weak especially when things seem uncertain and when the world seems to tell us it is impossible. But Father God, we also know that with You, anything is possible. May we always believe in that with all our heart so we can serve You more and  we may serve You well. All this we ask in Jesus name and with the intercession of Mary, our mother. Amen.

Knowing Nothing is Part of Getting Through

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Aug 10

First reading                                           1 Kings 19:9,11-13   

When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of the Lord, he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.                                  

Psalm                                                 Psalm 84:9-14

Second reading                               Romans 9:1-5

What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my

conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is

this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be

condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own 

flesh and blood. They were adopted as sons, they were given the glory and the 

covenants; the Law and the ritual were drawn up for them, and the promises were 

made to them. They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood 

came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.

.

Gospel                                           Matthew 14:22-23

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would
send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to 
pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was 
battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went 
towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they 
were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to 
them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if 
it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the 
boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of 
the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at 
once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the 
boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are 
the Son of God.’

Reflection
By Bernard Borja

“I deserve an explanation! I deserve an acceptable reason!”

Memories in the past suddenly filled my mind as I heard this line from Marco during a confrontation with Ginny, when they saw each other again after their breakup for uncertain reasons. This scene was from the movie “Starting Over Again” and it made me recall similar times when I wanted to question God for the trials and burdens I have been encountering. I have had different storms in my life and I realized that most of it, I didn't really have a choice if I get into it or not. I just have to face it head on. Just like what Jesus did to His disciples.

After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus did not give the disciples a choice when He made them get into the boat. Without explaining why, He sent them to sail on the other side of the shore. Jesus knew that the disciples would meet a strong storm and that they will be in danger. But Jesus did this because He wanted to strengthen their faith and trust in Him.

When the boat was being battered by the threatening waves, the disciples struggled to keep it afloat for a while. They tried to hold on. But I wonder what they were saying during these times. Maybe Peter (or the others) was saying, “Lord, why have you abandoned us?” Or something like, “Bakit hinayaan mo mangyari sa amin ito?” (“Why did you let this happen to us?”)

I remember such familiar questions were running in my heart and mind during the most difficult times of my life. The waves of pain and uncertainty have been crashing into me. In those times, I felt that God has deserted me. I was left wondering why I had to go through such difficulties.

But then I realized that whenever I go through such tests, He is always there to save me and calm the storm inside. It is a gentle reminder that God always have the power over us. But He perfectly reveals it during the most difficult times of our life. He just wants us to have faith and remain focus in Him. When Peter got out of the boat, he was able to walk on the water as he remained focused on Jesus. But when Peter noticed the strong winds, he became frightened and began to sink. This also reminds us that we must keep our attention on God. Not on the storms or the crashing waves around us.

We may not feel the presence of God in our trials but He is always near to reach out His hand to us just when we are about to lose hope. Every hardship that we encounter has a purpose and is always for our own good. We realize that we could always trust God to calm the storm, and that He lets us experience trials in life to draw us closer to Him. He does not need to explain further because the moment we realize that He is saving us from drowning, we can say, “Thank You Lord! Your timing is just perfect.”

Prayer

Dearest Lord, grant us courage that we may be able to stand through the storms in our life, and be able to walk with You over the waters of uncertainty. We thank You for all the difficulties that we encounter as it serve Your greater purpose for us. May we receive Your ever helping hand to get through the battering waves and trust that You are the only one who can calm the storm in us. This is all for Your greater glory, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son. Amen.