Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 28th June, 2022. The Memorial of St. Irenaeus

Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 28th June, 2022. The Memorial of St. Irenaeus

Readings: Amos 3:1-8,4:11-12, Ps 5: 5-8, Matt 8:23-27

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

WHY ARE YOU SO FRIGHTENED, YOU MEN OF LITTLE FAITH?

There is no doubt that Christians and in extension humanity are passing through frightening situation as a result of persecution, bad governance and religious fanatics. This ugly situation has serious effect to the faith of the people and are causing serious panic among Christians all over the world. A situation where the need to look for a Saviour is highly expected. Such was the case with the disciples of Jesus in our Gospel passage today, where we heard a story about the disciples' panic and fear of perishing as a result of the heavy storm that was affecting their boat. 

With this heavy storm breaking their boat, the disciples cannot believe that Jesus was asleep while they were afraid and needed help from anywhere. So they went to him and woke him saying, ‘Save us, Lord, we are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened, you men of little faith?’ And with that he stood up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and all was calm again. The men were astounded and said, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him.’

This story signifies God's chosen people on a transit of faith, frightened by the guilt of sin and wounded by the waves of the sea, the abode of evil forces and monsters of this world. The boat can be taken as a symbol of the faith of the Church and the people of God struggling with the world’s principalities and powers, while the storm is a symbol of heavy persecutions and suffering by the people of God. And Jesus is saying: why are you so frightened, you men of little faith. 

Today Jesus is calling us to journey on this boat of life with an unwavering faith and a repented heart, because the world is being tossed around by the waves of evil forces, the enemies of humanity. And it is only God who can subdue it, for he has promised to restore us back to himself. In similar way prophet Amos in our first reading warns the people of Israel about the coming judgement, calling them to turn to God in faith and do what is good, just like St Irenaeus whose memorial we celebrate today.

St. Irenaeus, was someone who understood that following the Lord requires giving up everything that one cherishes. He was a holy bishop, a true servant of God, and martyr of the Church. He was known for his great piety and many important works on theology and defended the faithful from heresies even at the cost of his life, for he followed the rigorous path to success and also passed through great persecution and storms without making excuses or giving up. 

Dear friends, I don't know the great storms of doubt and fear in your soul? I don’t know if you are under the power of the evil forces of this world.  Are you frightened by the ugly situation in our society? Are you a victim of the ugly situation of persecution, bad governance and religious fanatics? We must not be faithless but trust in God’s intervention. For I know that with great faith in God, the heavy storms in our lives will become calm, for Jesus will surely rebuke the violent storms in our hearts so that we can experience once again the calmness of peace and joy.

PRAYER: Lord God, as we struggle everyday to overcome the ugly situation around us, grant that the violent storms and waves of bondage in our lives will end in a wonderful calm that brings peace in our souls, And through the intercession of St. Irenaeus may we be ever more nourished by your word and find in it the fount of grace to journey the path of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful day.