Fr. Alex Roman Garcia sx
Homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Security and Hope in the Midst of Persecution: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Matthew wrote his Gospel after the crucifixion of Peter, when Christians were being persecuted. The two accounts of the storm address themes such as danger, fear, and faith. In both, the boat is a symbol of the new community. The difficulties are a consequence of their distancing themselves from Jesus. John makes it clear that they were the ones who decided to leave without waiting for him. They leave in a bad mood because Jesus did not respond to the people's acclamations. But in both, Jesus appears as the defender of the Church, determined to save those who call upon him in faith.
The account of this episode probably brought great comfort to the first Christians, especially those in Matthew's faith community. It offered them the assurance that Christ would save them even if they had to die for their faith in him, and that, even in the midst of persecution, they should not fear because Jesus was present with them.
This episode offers us the same assurance in times of illness, persecution, death, or other difficulties. It teaches us that adversity is not a sign of God's displeasure, nor prosperity a sign of His favor, nor sickness a sign of insufficient faith, nor health a sign of great faith. Paradoxically, life's storms can be a means of blessing… He continues to come to us in the midst of our tribulations, saying, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid!” If we allow the chaos and evil that surrounds us to influence and distract us, we will sink into the very chaos we fear! On the other hand, if we keep our attention on the Source of our security, our salvation, the One to whom we cry out for salvation, then the winds calm and we once again find joy in the Lord's presence. This is how we maintain our faith: never doubting that the Lord's presence is with us in every moment of our lives!
Have a good Sunday, Fr. Alex Roman Sx.
Homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Security and Hope in the Midst of Persecution: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Matthew wrote his Gospel after the crucifixion of Peter, when Christians were being persecuted. The two accounts of the storm address themes such as danger, fear, and faith. In both, the boat is a symbol of the new community. The difficulties are a consequence of their distancing themselves from Jesus. John makes it clear that they were the ones who decided to leave without waiting for him. They leave in a bad mood because Jesus did not respond to the people's acclamations. But in both, Jesus appears as the defender of the Church, determined to save those who call upon him in faith.
The account of this episode probably brought great comfort to the first Christians, especially those in Matthew's faith community. It offered them the assurance that Christ would save them even if they had to die for their faith in him, and that, even in the midst of persecution, they should not fear because Jesus was present with them.
This episode offers us the same assurance in times of illness, persecution, death, or other difficulties. It teaches us that adversity is not a sign of God's displeasure, nor prosperity a sign of His favor, nor sickness a sign of insufficient faith, nor health a sign of great faith. Paradoxically, life's storms can be a means of blessing… He continues to come to us in the midst of our tribulations, saying, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid!” If we allow the chaos and evil that surrounds us to influence and distract us, we will sink into the very chaos we fear! On the other hand, if we keep our attention on the Source of our security, our salvation, the One to whom we cry out for salvation, then the winds calm and we once again find joy in the Lord's presence. This is how we maintain our faith: never doubting that the Lord's presence is with us in every moment of our lives!
Have a good Sunday, Fr. Alex Roman Sx.