Homily for Tuesday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, 4th August, 2026. The Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney

 

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE STORMS OF LIFE

In life, we often encounter difficult situations that are very frightening. A situation where the need for a Saviour is highly anticipated. Such was the case with the disciples of Jesus in our Gospel passage today. When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death, he instructed the disciples to get into the boat and go 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 storm.

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 is passing through today in the hands of a 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 for a few of them to control the lives and activities of all.

Dear Friends, today, humanity needs 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.

Let us not be like Aaron and Miriam in our first reading, who spoke against God and Moses and were punished for their sins. Rather, let us learn to be humble like Moses, who was known as the most humble man on earth.

So, what are the terrible 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 this evil. All I know is that with great faith in God, we will be triumphant.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we are really passing through the storms of life in need of your love and satisfaction both physically and spiritually. Through the intercession of St. John Mary Vianney, guide us once again with your heavenly grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed week.