Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Jeremiah 30:1-2.12-15.18-22; Matthew 14:22-36)
With the war in Syria spreading the Christian minority lives in fear. Not long along the Chaldean Catholic bishop of Aleppo told how Christians fear anarchy if government troops are defeated. It is a terrible situation as the rebels, who have gained international support, see Christians as government allies. Like Peter in today’s gospel Syrian Christians’ faith in Jesus is being tested to the limit.
The scene is said to be symbolic. The boat of disciples is the Church; the night, evil; the storm, a particular crisis. Jesus is behind the scenes ready to assist his followers in need. The disciples question their faith, “It is a ghost,” they fear. But Jesus reassures them, “It is I”; literally, the great “I AM.” Peter, always the first to speak up, seeks to go toward Jesus amidst the chaos. But then he succumbs to fear and desperately calls out for help. Jesus does not deny assistance, but when things calm down, he reprimands Peter along with the others, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
We too are not full of faith. When times grow rough, we are likely to question whether God is there to help us. Perhaps it will be in pain on our death beds. At such moments it is critical that we do not abandon our faith by taking a desperate measure like euthanasia. Rather, like Peter, we need to continue calling on the Lord. Like him, we will feel his saving help.
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Homilette for Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Christmas Weekday
(I John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52)
If we were asked to describe the meaning of Christmas, how would we reply? Would we speak of a societal surge in buying to strengthen the economy? Economic activity is certainly characteristic of the celebration of Christmas but hardly explains its meaning. Would we offer the experience of family togetherness about the decorated fur tree? Surely many people celebrate Christmas “at home” with loved ones who have cared for them all their lives. But there is a deeper, more comprehensive meaning that we would want to relate.
We hardly could find a better description of the meaning of Christmas that the familiar verse from the Gospel of John: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son...” At Christmas we rejoice in our certainty of God’s love and marvel at its enormity. God’s love moves us to come out of ourselves – to share what we have with others, not just our families but with friends and needy people around the world.
The reading from the First Letter of John explains some of the dynamic of divine love. God shares his Spirit of love with us. This Spirit drives out the fear that distances us both from God and from one another. We no longer resent God as a judge who might condemn us; rather, we love Him as a Father who will bestow on us eternal life. Likewise, we know that other people cannot do permanent harm to us because God promises us eternal life. We wish to care for them out of imitation of our benevolent Father.
(I John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52)
If we were asked to describe the meaning of Christmas, how would we reply? Would we speak of a societal surge in buying to strengthen the economy? Economic activity is certainly characteristic of the celebration of Christmas but hardly explains its meaning. Would we offer the experience of family togetherness about the decorated fur tree? Surely many people celebrate Christmas “at home” with loved ones who have cared for them all their lives. But there is a deeper, more comprehensive meaning that we would want to relate.
We hardly could find a better description of the meaning of Christmas that the familiar verse from the Gospel of John: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son...” At Christmas we rejoice in our certainty of God’s love and marvel at its enormity. God’s love moves us to come out of ourselves – to share what we have with others, not just our families but with friends and needy people around the world.
The reading from the First Letter of John explains some of the dynamic of divine love. God shares his Spirit of love with us. This Spirit drives out the fear that distances us both from God and from one another. We no longer resent God as a judge who might condemn us; rather, we love Him as a Father who will bestow on us eternal life. Likewise, we know that other people cannot do permanent harm to us because God promises us eternal life. We wish to care for them out of imitation of our benevolent Father.
Homilette for Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wednesday, XII Ordinary Time
(Genesis 15)
People say that sex sells. Just noting all the attention given to Paris Hilton, who could deny that truth? But fear also makes a successful salesman. Remember Karl Malden warning us a generation ago not to “leave home without them”? No doubt, American Express sold a treasury of travelers’ checks on that note of fear. In the first reading we see Abram exasperated by the fear of having to leave the virtual empire God promises him to an unrelated heir.
Fear often blinds us to our responsibilities. At one time fear drove people to seek quarantine, not assistance, for people with AIDS. Fearing the judgment of others, we can likewise falter in tasks that we normally accomplish with ease. How many times have we become tongue-tied when speaking to an authority figure when words normally flow out of our mouths like water from a tap?
God assures Abram that there is no need for fear. What is essential is that he have faith and then to do what is required of him. Faith provides the margin of accomplishment because it links us with the Almighty. It enables Abram to leave behind his homeland and then to let go of his complaint that he has no child heir. God calls on undreamt powers – the fire in the midst of darkness – to accomplish His will on Abram's behalf. Trusting in God we too cannot lose in the long run despite the setbacks we face. Jesus Christ – by far the brightest star in the firmament of Abraham’s descendents – has assured us of victory over death itself. But first, we have to put our faith in him through prayer.
(Genesis 15)
People say that sex sells. Just noting all the attention given to Paris Hilton, who could deny that truth? But fear also makes a successful salesman. Remember Karl Malden warning us a generation ago not to “leave home without them”? No doubt, American Express sold a treasury of travelers’ checks on that note of fear. In the first reading we see Abram exasperated by the fear of having to leave the virtual empire God promises him to an unrelated heir.
Fear often blinds us to our responsibilities. At one time fear drove people to seek quarantine, not assistance, for people with AIDS. Fearing the judgment of others, we can likewise falter in tasks that we normally accomplish with ease. How many times have we become tongue-tied when speaking to an authority figure when words normally flow out of our mouths like water from a tap?
God assures Abram that there is no need for fear. What is essential is that he have faith and then to do what is required of him. Faith provides the margin of accomplishment because it links us with the Almighty. It enables Abram to leave behind his homeland and then to let go of his complaint that he has no child heir. God calls on undreamt powers – the fire in the midst of darkness – to accomplish His will on Abram's behalf. Trusting in God we too cannot lose in the long run despite the setbacks we face. Jesus Christ – by far the brightest star in the firmament of Abraham’s descendents – has assured us of victory over death itself. But first, we have to put our faith in him through prayer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)