08/08/2026
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a; Ps 85; Rom 9:1-5; Mt 14:22-33
In Chaos he meets us and Clears our Fears
After feeding the crowd, Jesus went up the mountain to pray, while the disciples got into the boat. Matthew notes that it was evening. Even John’s account emphasises that it was dark (Jn 6:17). In this moment of darkness, the master prays while his disciples are on the move. Jesus is in a space associated with the divine, the mountain; while the disciples are in a space associated with evil and chaos, the sea. In their loneliness at the sea, the boat is tossed about by the waves and the wind is against them. Indeed, a journey without Christ can only turn into chaos. Our endeavours will not become fruitful if we aling with God's ways. But since he is the one who had constrained them to get into the boat, it is in this place of chaos and fear that he comes. He meets us there to bring the divine to us. Their journey begins with his absence, anticipating the difficulty that follows them. We cannot enjoy peace without Christ, for he is our peace (Eph 2:14). Jesus comes walking on the water and the disciples think it is a ghost. He comes to them during the fourth watch, the darkest hour of the night. This is a symbolic time, for it was during this time that God delivered Israel at the Red Sea (Ex 14:24). They had struggled alone for a larger part of the night. However, the Lord appears at the opportune time. No matter how long we wallow in the bitter waters of life, we should not lose trust and hope in him. However, they could not recognise his presence. They thought it was a ghost, just as when the Risen Lord appears to them (Lk 24:37). The hurdles of life and fears can blind us from noticing the Lord. But, by walking on water, Jesus shows that he has power over all the power of chaos that come against us. Just like the Lord made way for Israel at the Sea, Jesus makes a way on the sea waters. He can make a way for us to walk over our pains, sorrows, desperations and hopelessness. No wonder he says he is the way (Jn 14:6). God does not only make a way, he is our way out of the waves we face today. Thus, he invites Peter to walk on the sea. He does this when he meets us battling with the winds of life. First, he assures us with his voice, that we are not alone, “It is I”, we should not be afraid, he is present. Second, whoever believes this voice, overcomes fear. Peter walked as long he focused on Jesus, but when fear took his focus, he began to sink. Jesus invites to act like him. He generously shares his power with us in our moment of weakness. If faith lead us, we can trample on every discouraging situation. He is a God of tranquility and silence, as he reveals himself through a whispering sound to Elijah. If we do not doubt his voice and his hand, we will always be victorious in whatever we face in life.
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