The Presence of Jesus-HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 2023

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Genesis 19:15-29; Ps.26; Matthew 8:23-27

The Presence of Jesus

Usually, soldiers command great respect from people because of what they are known for. You can find a driver arguing with a policeman who is trying to control traffic; but no driver will want to try that with a soldier even when the soldier may look so calm. The mere fact that one is a soldier attracts a fierce expectation. How awesome it will be if we esteem God’s presence in our midst in such manner. When people express doubt about God or move from place to place in search of miracles, they are not oblivious of the fact that God is omnipresent; they are only looking for where he is “active” not merely “present”.

The disciples of Christ, in today’s gospel reading, seem to fall into this situation. A great storm arose such that the boat was being swamped by the waves. Being a life threatening event, every possible solution must have been sought to remedy the situation. Since Jesus is the Master, he should be at the forefront of searching for a solution. A disciple dare not be asleep in such situation, not to talk of the master himself. And so, when the disciples woke Jesus, they thought they were beckoning on him to assume his responsibility.

They expected him to join hands in seeking safety measures; but surely they were not expecting him nor imagined that he had the capacity to calm the sea. Jesus reprimanded them for their lack of faith. They lacked faith in that they thought that Jesus has to be awake for something to be done. They did not trust that the presence of Jesus alone was sufficient to remedy any situation. Most of us find ourselves is this situation too. Our understanding of God is reflected in our expectations of him. Sometimes, we want God to act in a particular manner before we can accept that he has answered our prayers. God is never limited or constrained by human expectations; rather he always outdo it in his omnipotence.

If you seek miracles or answers to your prayers, struggle to have Jesus present in you. Once Jesus is present, every other thing will fall in line. Seeking the presence of Jesus will imply conversion. When people go about seeking miracles without the intention of becoming holier persons, they clearly do not understand the meaning of prayer. Have faith; God is never inactive wherever he is present. The presence of God is enough.