YOUR WOUND IS INCURABLE BUT I WILLL HEAL YOU (HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME

YOUR WOUND IS INCURABLE BUT I WILL HEAL YOU

Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Mt 14:22-36

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, interestingly the ways of God are not our ways and the thoughts of God aren't our thoughts (Isaiah). Are you a man or woman of hope and positive thinking? Do you believe that what is considered humanly impossible and irremediable, can certainly be possible and redeemable by God's divine power? 

The first reading of today that is taken from the book of Consolation of the prophet Jeremiah, presents to us firstly, a devastating situation of the people of Israel that appeared humanly unsalvageable. It read: “your hurt is incurable, your wound very previous. There is no medicine for your wound, no healing for you” (Jer 30:12-13). This designated the hopeless situation of Israel. 

However, the compassionate heart of God rested upon Israel and brought healing and remedy to the plight of Israel. God, through the prophet Jeremiah, declared: “I am to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob and have compassion on his dwellings; the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound, and the citadel set on its rightful site. Out of them shall come thanksgiving, and the sound of Merrymakers. I will make them many, and they shall not be few; I will make them honoured, and they shall not be disdained” (Jer 30:18-19).

Dearest friends in Christ, the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 103:8). The Lord does not abandon not forsake his people. The restoration of Israel can seemingly be seen in the dynasty of David. However, the full restoration according to the words of the prophet Jeremiah: They shall be my people and I will be their God (Jer 30:22) came to completion in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ Jesus, God has gathered a new people for himself and Jesus, the Good Shepherd will be their leader and guide. 

Beloved in Christ, whatever drowning and devastating situation you find yourself in right now, remain hopeful and put your faith in Christ Jesus, for nothing is impossible to God. God will make a way for you where there seems to be no way. In God's presence, no situation is irredeemable.

The Gospel reading is a continuation of the aftermath of the feeding of the five thousand men. Jesus sent his disciple ahead of him across to the other side of the lake, while he dismissed the people. We are told in the fourth watch of the night, while the wind was against them and the boat was battered by the waves (Mt 14: 24). Jesus came walking on the lake. Jesus must have noticed the danger the apostles were in and came to their rescue. Notwithstanding, the wind which was a symbol of the difficulties being experienced in life, Jesus comes regularly to our rescue. He is our Saviour and he will never forsake us even in trying times. 

Progressively, the zealous peter while keeping fixed on Jesus, walked on the waters but when he concentrated on the climatic conditions around him he began to sink. People of God, nothing whatsoever should distract us from having our hearts and minds fixed upon Christ Jesus. Let us never lose sight of him. For his the way the truth and the life.

May God bless you and restore your possessions in Jesus' name. Amen

Have a wonderful day!

Fr Remi osj