Reflection for Tuesday, 18th week in ordinary Time
By
Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore
Today's Word
Mathew 14: 31
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Today's Reflection
Although sibling rivalry is common, it can be quite puzzling upon further reflection.
Generally speaking, siblings would come from the same parents, and since they may grow up together, it may be presumed that the siblings would think and feel alike.
But obviously that is not necessarily true, and often sibling rivalry can be even quite bitter.
In the 1st reading, we heard of a case of sibling rivalry as Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses in connection with the Cushite he had married.
But that was rather a superficial matter as the real issue was Miriam and Aaron questioned if the Lord had spoken to Moses only.
They argued that the Lord has spoken to them too. But the real issue was pride has gotten into them and they were actually challenging the authority of Moses.
So the Lord summoned the three of them and He attested that He gave the authority to Moses, and because they were arrogant enough to challenge Moses, hence Miriam was punished, while Aaron begged for mercy.
This reminds us that whether in a family, or community, or ministry, or organisation, there will be some who are appointed to leadership roles to serve with humility.
Respect for the appointment and authority must be given so that there can be unity.
Rivalry is a product of pride.
The Gospel of the Day is a reminder and a lesson on this beautiful aspect of trusting and depending on the Lord – in every situation of life.
After the multiplication of the loaves, Jesus dismissed the crowds.
He made the disciples to get into the boat, while He went up to the mountains to pray (Mt 14: 22-23)
Here is a great lesson that Jesus teaches us…
There will be many success stories that would be woven in life.
• Yet, all those occasions ought to lead us closer to God – the source of every success.
Every success in life ought to, not make us proud – instead, in humility, lead us to grow closer to God – in gratitude and for greater strength.
There will also be times when the sun shines bright and there are many admirers thronging our life.
• Yet, all those occasions ought to make us realise that in God alone ought to be my true joy and satisfaction.
Every joy of life ought to, not make us lose ourselves in the thickets of achievements – instead, in meekness, help us to depend more on God – in trust and for greater faith.
As the disciples were lost on the sea, with the winds and waves turning against them, they saw Jesus walking on the sea (Mt 14: 25)
However, Jesus sought to drive away every ‘ghostly fears’ and assured them of His presence.
Peter, however, the leader of the gang took the initiative of going towards Jesus and walking on the water.
He even made his first steps on the waters.
However, when he saw the mighty winds, he got frightened and cried out, “Lord, save me” (Mt 14: 30)
Immediately, the Gospel says, “Jesus stretched out His Hand and caught him and said to him ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'” (Mt 14: 31)
Here was life throwing a mighty challenge to Peter:
Whether he could trust in God or not…
Whether to continue ahead in life or not…
Whether he could have his focus on God or not…
As long as he had his focus on the Lord, things were fine
But the moment, he wavered in this “focus”, Peter began to sink
The boats of our Christian lives often pass through the stormy waters of problems and difficulties.
There will be many moments when our faith makes attempts “to walk on the waters” with the Lord.
• As long as we keep our focus on Him, things would be fine.
• As long as we don’t look at the waters and instead look on to Jesus, things would be good.
But the moment there is a “deviation” in this focus – there will be the “sinking” experience!
Can we grow in our trust… in being always focussed on the Lord?
In the face of many challenges of life, we often are rendered to be a “feeble fold”
But let’s never lose heart!
As Prov 30:26 reminds us: “The badgers are a people without power, yet they make their homes in the rocks!”
When attacked by the “foes of troubles, distractions, temptations and despairs of life”…
… let us find refuge, protection and strength, by going go straight to our Rock – JESUS!
Are we ready to REPOSITION ourselves…
… and firmly secure and be safe amidst JESUS, the ROCK?
Resolution
Let us resolve to be humble and respectful to each other so that we will grow together in charity.
Let us take refuge in Jesus, the Rock of our life!
GOD BLESS YOU
Good morning. Have a nice safe day