Readings: Genesis 19:15-29, Ps. 26:2-3,9-12, Matthew 8:23-27
“Why are you afraid, O men of little faith? Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26)
The problem with many Christians today is that we do not fear God. Hence, we often throw caution to the wind by disobeying His commandments. The Book of Proverbs teaches us: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10). The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a clear example of what becomes of us when we do not fear God.
In Luke 12:4-5, Jesus said, “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” If you fear God, you will be extremely careful to avoid the slightest occasion of sin. However, to live as if there is no God (like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah) is a sign that you do not fear God.
Today’s first reading also teaches us never to envy the wicked. As the Psalmist says: “The wicked plot against the righteous, and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming…. Better is a little that the righteous person has than the abundance of many wicked… The enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish, like smoke, they vanish away.” (Psalm 37:12-20)
Do not envy those living immoral lives; they may seem to be “enjoying” life, but their end is destruction. Lot became wealthy through his association with Abraham. He needed to part ways with Abraham because he had become too wealthy; his servants had disputes with Abraham’s servants. Lot looked at the region of Sodom and Gomorrah and saw how beautiful it was. (Genesis 13:5-11).
Lot was attracted by the wealth and beauty of Sodom and Gomorrah, but when he got there, he discovered the people were great sinners. They practised unnatural lusts. Why did Lot remain there? Lot went to Sodom as an extremely wealthy man, but today, he departed from this town empty; not even a single cow or sheep followed him. Lot’s wife looked back. She was not afraid of disobeying the Angels’ instructions, and she became a pillar of salt. Fear God and live a righteous life; do not take His mercy for granted.
When we fear God, we can rest securely knowing that He is the protector of those who place their hope in Him. We need not be afraid of danger when we know that God is with us in the same boat. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus was highly disappointed with the disciples because they panicked during a storm. “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). Whenever you begin to panic or expect the worst outcome in any situation you may find yourself, it is a reminder that you are gradually losing faith in God. To believe in God is to know that your life is in His hands and His plans for you are for your welfare.
You must understand that our relationship with God is a covenant. It is an agreement. If you do your part, trust that God will do His part. Still in Psalm 37 (which we quoted above), the Psalmist says: “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25). The beauty of our covenant with God is that even when we are unfaithful, God continues to be our Shepherd. (cf. 2 Timothy 2:13). We need not fear because God will never turn His back on His own. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make efforts to live righteously.
By speaking to the winds, Jesus proved to the disciples that He is God who spoke creation into being. The Good News is that God has given us this same power to speak to creation. Jesus said: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20). Fear God, obey Him and surrender your battles to Him.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith and deepen in us the fear of sin. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 13 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 19:15-29, Ps. 26:2-3,9-12, Matthew 8:23-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu