God is Ever Faithful (Homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary time 13th August 2023

 God is Ever Faithful (Homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary time 13th August 2023

1 Kings 19:9a,11-13a. Psalm 85:8ab,9,10-11,12-13. Romans 9:1-5. Matthew 14:22-33.

Theme: God is Ever Faithful. 

When we are faced with difficulties, to whom do we take our challenges? The first reading and the Gospel offer answers to this question. As a result of a threat to the life of Prophet Elijah by Jezebel, he went to the Mount of Horeb to seek the face of God that he had encountered on many occasions but God revealed himself to Elijah in the first reading in a different way strange to Elijah. Elijah probably expected God to be present in the wind, earthquake, and in the fire. God was never present in them. God revealed Himself to Elijah in a still small voice. Elijah heard God's voice, and, "He wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave" (1 Kings 19:13).

In today's Gospel, Jesus appeared on the sea to his disciples, but they could not recognise Him, thinking, "It is a ghost!" (Matt.14:26). He was aware of their challenges. He could see that a strong wind was blowing against them. Hence, He said to them, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear" (Matt.14:27). With this assurance, Peter said to him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." Jesus said "Come" (Matt.14:28-29). Peter walked on the sea, putting his trust in Jesus. Immediately, he allowed the force of the wind to distract him. He started sinking. He beckoned on Jesus to come to his rescue. Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt" (Matt.14:31).

In the second reading, St. Paul reminded us of the difficulties he had to face. In spite of all the sufferings and trouble the Jews had caused him ever since he began his missionary activity, he still loves them as his brother-Jews, and he has sorrow of heart and anguish because they do not see the gift of God in Christ.

God is ever faithful is reflected in our Responsorial Psalm, "You will not forsake those who seek you, O Lord." God comes to us in mysterious and surprising ways. He can not be limited by our concepts and expectations. He is a God of surprises. We need to be open to surprises to detect His presence. He revealed Himself to Elijah in the form of a tiny whispering sound - a gentle wind, which was strange to Elijah.

Jesus, in today's Gospel, revealed Himself, not in healing people, not in raising the dead, not in feeding the crowds and in other ways they were aware of. He revealed Himself in walking on the sea, and the wind ceased. With this, those in the boat said, "Truly you are the Son of God" (Matt.14:33).

St. Matthew reminds us that following Jesus and discovering Him will sometimes mean stepping out of our boat, the place where we are relatively secure. In fact, there are some heights we can not attain, some truths we can not discover, some successes we can not record, some gifts we can never acquire, some breakthroughs we can never experience, some testimonies we can never give unless we step out of the boat and walk towards the One who says, "It is I; have no fear."

Let us ask God to strengthen our faith so as to overcome fears and doubts and step out to do great and wonderful things, relying on His word, power, and grace.

May God grant us an increase in faith to see His presence in every situation of our lives through Christ our Lord. Amen.