Take
Courage. Do Not Be Afraid
1Kgs 19:9a.11-13a;
Rom 9:1-5; Mt 14:22-33 (19 / A)
“…man lost the dignity you gave him; he
deserved to lose it, since he had sinned (Saint Catherine of Siena)
Today’s Gospel teaches that the
disciples are caught in a violent storm. Strong winds batter their boat, fear
overwhelms them, and they think all is lost. Then Jesus comes walking on the
water and says, “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid (Mt 14:27). Before
calming the storm, Jesus first calms their hearts. His presence becomes their
greatest strength. Our world today is shaken by many “strong winds”. There are
the winds of trauma—war, violence, abuse, broken families, migration,
loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Many people carry invisible winds (wounds).
Like the disciples, they feel overwhelmed and abandoned.
Many of us struggle with relentless
workloads, fear of losing jobs, financial insecurity, and the pressure to
prioritize profit over people. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that the
human person—not profit—is “the source, the center, and the purpose of all
economic and social life” (GS 63). Around the world we see wars, corruption,
violations of human rights, religious persecution, discrimination, forced
migration, and widening inequality. These storms often strike the weakest
members of society first.
In many places around the world, there
are increasing pressures to regard the deliberate termination of human
life—whether before birth, at the end of life, or in other vulnerable
situations—as an acceptable solution to suffering. At the same time, many
parents and students struggle to navigate educational environments where some
aspects of the curriculum may conflict with the moral, cultural, or religious
values taught in their families. This can leave young people caught between the
traditions they have received at home and the many competing ideas they
encounter in society. The Church encourages education that forms the whole
person—mind, right conscience, and heart—while respecting both truth and human
dignity.
The prophet Elijah expected God in
the wind, the earthquake, and the fire. Instead, God came in a gentle whisper
(1 Kgs 19:12). God still speaks quietly through his Word, our conscience, and
the witness of holy people. Jesus’ command, “Take courage,” comes from the
Greek word θαρσεῖτε (tharseite), meaning “be confident; do not lose
heart.” The Hebrew word אֱמוּנָה ('emunah)
means steadfast and faithful trust. Peter walked on the water as long as he
kept his eyes on Christ. When he looked only at the wind, he began to sink. The
same is true for us.
If we focus only on fear,
confusion, or the pressures around us, we lose hope. But if we keep our eyes on
Christ, no storm can separate us from his love. As we celebrate this Eucharist,
let us entrust to the Lord every strong wind in our lives—our personal
struggles, family concerns, social conflicts, ethical challenges, and
uncertainties about the future. May Christ strengthen us to defend the dignity
of every human life, support families in forming their children with wisdom and
love, stand beside those who suffer, and become signs of courage and hope in a
troubled world.
“The Lord is
faithful in all his words and loving in all his deeds. Alleluia”.
Beautiful ❤️ thank you in sharing 🙏
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