Habete fiduciam (Mt. 14:27)

 

We all want to walk on solid ground and be safe wherever we go. But, to grow we have to take risks, trust and learn from our failures.

When Jesus was walking on the Sea of Galilee, His disciples thought that He was a ghost so they were afraid. Peter recognized Jesus and asked him if he could also walk on the water and Jesus responded immediately by granting his request.

Peter left the rocking boat and began to walk on the waves. But the wind was so strong he became frightened and began to sink. He had taken his eyes off Jesus and was looking at the waves. He was afraid of drowning, and his fear was stronger than his trust in Jesus.

Maybe Peter’s desire to walk on the water like Jesus was impulsive; maybe he just wanted to show the other disciples that he was the greatest among them. I think Jesus wanted to test Peter’s faith to see how great it was and Peter did not pass the test, he failed. But in spite of this, Jesus reached out to him and rescued him.

Peter was very human just like we are. He shows us how he wanted to be like Jesus; but his faith faltered, and he doubted in his ability to be like Him.

Jesus was trying to teach his disciples that, no matter what adversities, challenges and struggles life brought them, the Father’s love would always be with them, but they must put their total trust in him.

We sometimes feel like we are being tossed around in our boats in the storms of our lives. Our worries and problems generate fear and disturbance in our hearts. It is at times like this that Jesus reaches out to us and rescues us.

As we continue our lives in these strange times, we are living with fear and worries, as we experience Covid 19.

Even if we are struggling with doubt, know that God’s plan for our future and the future of those around us is greater than us.

Lord, teach us to put our trust in you. Protect us when we think we are sinking. Give us the courage to go forth and offer ourselves to you in a new way every day. Amen.

By Fr. Rajesh Minz, UK.

Propter modicam fidem (Mt. 17:20)

 

Do you believe in the resurrection of the body? Do you believe in eternal life? I am sure that we can say certainly “ Yes, we do believe” because each time we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, we renew our faith and trust. And every time we say I believe in God, we renew our faith in the resurrection of the body and eternal life. Let's meditate once again on the resurrection of the body and eternal life so that we can be more sure about what we say and what we believe.

Firstly, every human being is equal in attaining eternal life. We all are children of God; we all are God’s family. God invites and gathers all people for His banquet. Every person is sitting and eating at the same table. However, in this world, we often face unequal relationships and injustice. Therefore, as we are God’s children and one family, God invites us to respect each other, help each other, and be solidary.

Secondly, our God is a faithful God. He guided Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who were living in other time and situation and finally gave Jesus, His only Son, so that all who believe in the name of Jesus, could have an abundant life. We believe that God has never abandoned us in our journey of faith. His love is eternal and unconditional.

Thirdly, we believe in ever-living God; for Him everyone is alive. God has power over life and death. All who believe in His name will enter eternal life. Jesus, the Son of God, is the first One who rose from death. This is our faith. If Jesus didn’t rise from death, our faith was in vain.

Once more let us think about where we come from and where our aim is. We have come from God and we are aiming to God. We are children of heaven and children of God. The union with Him is the aim of our spiritual journey.

By Fr. Aris Mada, SVD.

Turbae multae (Lk. 5:15)

When we read about the journey of Jesus who served a lot of people, healed the blind and the lame, and made great miracles to people, it should make people feel amazed by these actions. Unfortunately, admiration from these people is a temporary admiration. The admiration that can only happen when they are involved.

This was what Jesus Christ felt that time. When there was a lot of people healed, a lot of people followed Him. So many people followed Him to seek grace and miracle for their life. But after they got healed, they went away from Him.

This story gives us a picture that these people who see Jesus Christ only want His grace and miracles and they don’t desire for Him. After they got what they want, they went away and left. They were not faithful to follow Jesus. We already know that Jesus can make a miracle everywhere and anytime to anyone. What Jesus wants us to do is not to seek His miracles only, but to seek Him to love Him, be faithful to Him, obey Him and enjoy Him forevermore.

Jesus is God who came to the earth to live with humans that He will save them by His death on the cross. But humans just love what He can do than love Jesus Himself.

Now, when we are facing our God, in prayer. What is in our hearts and mind? Do we come to Him just to ask something? Or do we wait for a miracle happen to our life? Or do we love Him? Asking or hoping something from God is not wrong or a mistake. Just don’t leave Him when we can’t see a miracle happening to our lives and walk away from Him. Let us love and desire Him personally not because we have something to Him.

By Yulius Telaumbanua, Indonesia.