Homily For Saturday Third Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 28th January, 2023 The Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas

Readings: Heb. 11:1-2.8-19, Ps.Luke 1:69-75, Mark 4:35-41

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED BY THE STORMS OF THIS PASSING WORLD,  HAVE FAITH IN GOD

 

In this scriptures, we often hear stories of how people struggles with heavy storms as they assailed through the sea. Today our fisherman and the Marine men who were into the sea business can tell us better what it means to be on the sea with heavy storms. 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. It is a story about the disciples' panic and fear of perishing as a result of the heavy storm that is effecting their boat.

 

As this heavy storm was almost 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, ‘Teacher, do you not care if we perish? And Jesus said: “Peace! Be still!!” And the Storm ceased and there was a great calm. And he said to them, ‘Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’ 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 storms are symbols of heavy persecutions and sufferings by the people of God. And Jesus is saying: why are you so frightened, you men of little faith. Little wonder we are told in our first reading that only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of the realities that at present remain unseen. For it was by faith that Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac in obedience to God.

 

Dear friends, there is no doubt that there is an active presence of evil in the world which manifest itself in different forms. So everyday is a struggle against the malice of the evil ones, and people are doing everything they can to overcome them.  Do not be frightened by the storms of this passing world,  have faith in God. For today Jesus is inviting us into his boat of life, thereby calling us to journey on this boat with an unwavering faith and a repented heart, because the world is being tossed around by the waves of the 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.

 

Therefore, 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. All I know is 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 his peace and joy. Meanwhile,  let us learn from Thomas Aquinas whose memorial we celebrate. For he was the famous theologian, who understands what it means to have deep faith in God. He is often remembered for his great work, the Summa Theologiae and  many other contributions, writings and works of faith which still influenced and inspired so many people. Thereby showing us the important of listening and demonstrating our faith our in God.

 

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God. As we struggle everyday to overcome the ugly situation around us, grant that through  the intercession of St.  Thomas Aquinas the violent storms and waves of bondage in our lives, our families and the world, will end in a wonderful calm that brings peace in our souls. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful and joyful weekend.