A reflection on the readings of Tuesday of the eighteenth week in ordinary time year II

NAME: MUOGBO MICHAEL

COURSE: HOMILETICS

COURSE CODE: SS/BTH/222

LECTURER: FR. DR. ANTHONY EWHERIDO

A reflection on the readings of Tuesday of the eighteenth week in ordinary time year II

There are themes that cut through the readings of today; however, I’m drawn to the theme of focus in the gospel reading.

The gospel reading underscores the authority of Jesus over nature and his ever abiding presence in the moments of our needs. Peter in the gospel reading, impulsively takes the plunge, desiring to walk on the sea like Jesus. He was able to walk as long as he kept his focus on Christ, but the moment he focused on the wind he started sinking. The natural temptation is to focus on the difficulties; on the wind and the waves but today we are taught that keeping focused on the Lord is the secret of navigating through the storms of our daily life.

Most of the times, the storms that trouble us are direct or indirect products of our making. Often, sin, fear and disbelief keep the boat of our lives on a stormy sea. But the Lord in his goodness keeps restoring and strengthening us. Christ never abandons us, he only ask that we keep our focus on him. Christ is the peace and solution to all our life troubles. We should trust that whenever the storm troubles us, He is walking on the storm, bringing with him peace, tranquility and the needed support. And when we allow him into the boats of our lives the storm gets calm and the boat will never be troubled again. However, like Peter, we should endeavor to raise our voices and hands to the Lord when the challenges of everyday life set to drown us, and He will take hold of us as He saved Peter on the sea. If we focus and trust in the strength of his saving hand, He will not let us down.

When things get stormy in life, do we focus on the storm, or on Jesus?