Homily for Tuesday Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time Year C, 2nd August, 2022

 Readings: Jer. 30:1-2.12-15.18-22; Ps 102; Matt. 14:22-36

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

LORD SAVE US FOR WE ARE SINKING INTO THE DEEP SEA OF SIN AND DESTRUCTION

In life we often encounter difficult situations that is very frightening. 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. For When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death, he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea storms. 

So as the waves were breaking over the boat, the disciples were afraid and needed help from anywhere. It was at this point that they saw Jesus walking on the sea and he said to them: “take courage, it is I, do not be afraid”. But Peter said ‘if it is you Lord, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he became afraid and began to sink. So he cried out ‘Lord! Save me!’ Jesus put out his hand at once and held 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 young Christian Church struggling with the world’s principalities and powers, while the storm is a symbol of persecution suffered by this young Christian community. And Jesus says: "Do not be afraid". This no doubt is what humanity are passing through today in the hands of few selfish evil men and women who have decided to destroy humanity by trying to recreate human beings into an artificial machine against the natural way God has created us in order for few of them to control the lives and activities of all.  

Today, humanity are sinking into the deep sea of sin and destruction, we need to humbly cry out like Peter, Lord save us for we are sinking into the destructive hands of the evil powers of this sinful world. Hence we are called to trust in the Lord and hope in his promises and providence. For it is time for us to listen to God and hold onto him more closely. 

Today we heard the Lord saying in our first reading: Now I will restore the tents of Jacob, and take pity on his dwellings: the city shall be rebuilt on its ruins, the citadel restored on its site. From them will come thanksgiving and shouts of joy. I will make them increase, and not diminish them, make them honoured, and not disdained. And they shall be my people and I will be their God.

Dear friends, Jesus is calling us today to journey on this boat of life with an unwavering faith and a repented heart because, we are sinking into the deep sea of sin and destruction. For the world is being tossed around by the waves of evil forces, the enemies of humankind. And it is only God that can subdue it, for he has promised to restore us back to himself, if only we can trust in him completely. 

Therefore, I don't know the great storms of doubt and fear in your soul? Are you under the power of the evil forces of this world? I don’t know how long or deep you have been involved in the evil things of this passing world? All I know is that with great faith in God, the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid, take courage, it is I,” will surely resound in the hearts of all his children who live in hostile environment and are victims of the evils in this world.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, save humanity once again for we are sinking into sin and destruction. Grant that the violent storms and waves of bondage in our lives will end in a wonderful calm that brings peace in our souls. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.