Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gospel today recounts that one day the apostles, who were fishermen, went out to do their daily work. Same routine, nothing exceptionable. But then, a heavy storm blew up out of nowhere threatening to break-up their much-needed boat, and even cause them to drown in the turbulent waves.
God watches over all. So, why did he send such a storm? Weren’t they firm believers in him? And Jesus? Why did he have to go off and pray, leaving his friends to face such an ordeal? If this is the way God treats friends, maybe it’s better to be his enemy.
At the crisis point, Jesus appears and tells his so-called followers that their faith, appearing strong, was weak, and that the storm, seeming disastrous, was a godsend for setting right what they thought was strong and was not.
I am living in a time when storm-clouds – economic, political, educational, social, religious – seem to be forming on all sides. How will I face an on-coming storm? Honestly, do I identify with Peter, the chief apostle, to whom Jesus asked, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Do I see setbacks as means to strengthen my faith, as valuable appointments with Jesus?
Resolve: I shall pray today to the apostles, particularly to St. Peter, to obtain for me the grace of strength, faith and hope to face future storms the Lord will allow to come my way, and that I will be able to encourage others to share this grace in their reversals of fortune.