Our trials could either be a training in the school of faith or a lesson in the school of life

I Kgs 19:9.11-13, Rom. 9:1-5, Mt. 14:22-33. On this Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Church reminds us that God has always been faithful and He will always be by our side no matter what the situation is. Today's first reading recounts the story of the moment when the prophet Elijah came to meet the Lord at Mount Horeb, after a long journey of forty days and forty nights from the land of Israel. Elijah expects some powerful manifestation of God like Moses on this same mountain. The mountain is struck by hurricane-force winds, but God was not revealed. A potent earthquake hits and the mountain shakes, but God is not there. Fire strikes the mountain, but again, God is not present in the fire. Finally, a gentle breeze, whispers pass the cave and Elijah experiences the presence of God in the gentle breeze. The Psalmist implies that the presence of God can be felt in the peace and calm people acting justly and seeking the truth. God is not just a powerful warrior who strikes people with anger and vengeance, the Lord is a God of peace and justice. It is in the practice of peace and justice where the presence of God can be experienced.

Paul laments over the in-attitude of people who have shared His heritage (the Jews) and yet, have not appreciated the presence of God. God revealed the divine presence in adoption, glory, covenants, the law, worship and promises, yet the Hebrew refuse to grasp the full manifestations of the presence of God. The greatest self-manifestation of God comes in Jesus. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals His presence with His disciples as they are being battered about by the winds and waves during a horrific storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus walking on the sea to rescue His disciples reminds us that He has authority over every power, natural or supernatural. No matter how deep the sea of our predicament, how fierce the wind of our fear, He reminds us that He is still in control. Peter’s faith kept him walking on the sea to Jesus. However, the moment he removed his gaze on Jesus and focused on the storm he started to sink. To stay afloat on the sea of life we must fix our gaze on Jesus not minding the rate of the waves. Let us focus on Jesus, not on our problem. We are challenged to learn from hard times. Jesus will turn our trials into great opportunities; and our trials could either be a training in the school of faith or a lesson in the school of life. As we battle with the forces that prevent us from crossing over to the better side of life God is directing us to, let us never fail to call on Him like Peter when it feels like we are about to sink.

May the Lord always dispel our fears with a touch of His hands and strengthen our little faith! Amen!! Stay safe and save life, Jesus loves you, happy Sunday!!!