Homily For Saturday Second Week of Easter, 13th April, 2024

Readings: Acts.6:1-7; Ps.32; John 6:16-22

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

COME INTO THE BOAT OF JESUS AND BE SAVED FROM THE STORMS OF LIFE 

A deep reflection on the Scriptures, we will discover that Jesus often makes use of the boat to teach and instruct the people and his disciples. This is obvious in the occasion of our Gospel passage today, where the disciples of Jesus got into the boat and went before Jesus to the other side. When evening came, they were there alone on the boat which had gone far on the lake and was battling 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”. And as they got into the boat the wind ceased. 

In this Gospel passage, we can foresee a gesture which signifies the chosen people of God 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. Today Jesus is inviting us to journey on this boat of life with an unwavering faith and a repented heart so that our storms of struggles will cease. Because the world is being tossed around by the waves of evil forces the enemies of humankind, inflicting hardships, sickness and sorrows on us. But Jesus is inviting us to come into his boat so that we can find life, peace and grace to overcome our struggles. 

Dear friends, the world is full of crowds and caves of different storms and so many people are trying to find ways to fix their problems. Today Jesus is inviting us to come into his boat of life with an unwavering faith and a repented heart and we will find peace of mind. For his boat is the safest vessel where all our storms can be subdued. Where humanity can find solace, where all our struggles will cease, where hope for the future is guaranteed. 

Therefore, I don't know the great storms of doubt and fear in your soul today. I don’t know how deep your sorrows of constant failure and disappointment are. I don’t know how long or deep you have been involved in the evil going on in this world. All I know is that if today we come into the boat of Jesus with faith he will calm down the heavy storms in our lives, our families and societies. Then the storms will cease and we will worship God in sincerity and freedom.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we thank you for being with us in all our struggle against the storms of life, as we come into your boat may the violent storms and waves of bondage in our lives end in a wonderful calm that brings peace in our souls. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.