The stormy seas of life can just appear without so much as a warning, overwhelm us causing great anxiety and fear. Does moments such as this paralyse us? Whom is it that we turn to? How is it that we can be caught off guard? Is it possible to have stood ready come what may?Faith! Faith in our Lord of Lords, King of Kings. Our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ! Faith is the answer! Faith in the Lord our God who loves us so dearly that at times He exercises tough love in order that we awake from the stupor of having sinned against Him. A faith that demands loyalty, obedience and discipline for His greater glory. For we have an infinitely good and loving God who is faithful and loves us unconditionally. Faith in Him who commanded us to love one another as He loves us. Indeed possessing such faith enables us to stand still in His peace and in His presence, amidst any chaotic situation that may arise around us. Amen
First reading
Amos 3:1-8,4:11-12
It is for all your sins that I mean to punish youListen, sons of Israel, to this oracle the Lord speaks against you, against the whole family I brought out of the land of Egypt:You alone, of all the families of earth, have I acknowledged, therefore it is for all your sins that I mean to punish you.
Do two men take the road together if they have not planned to do so?
Does the lion roar in the jungle if no prey has been found?
Does the young lion growl in his lair if he has captured nothing?
Does the bird fall to the ground if no trap has been set?
Does the snare spring up from the ground if nothing has been caught?
Does the trumpet sound in the city without the populace becoming alarmed?
Does misfortune come to a city if the Lord has not sent it?
No more does the Lord do anything without revealing his plans to his servants the prophets.
The lion roars: who can help feeling afraid?
The Lord speaks: who can refuse to prophesy?I overthrew you as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a brand snatched from the blaze; and yet you never came back to me. It is the Lord who speaks.This therefore, Israel, is what I plan to do to you, and because I am going to do this to you, Israel, prepare to meet your God!
Gospel
Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus rebuked the winds and the seas, and all was calmJesus got into the boat followed by his disciples. Without warning a storm broke over the lake, so violent that the waves were breaking right over the boat. But he was asleep. So they went to him and woke him saying, ‘Save us, Lord, we are going down!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened, you men of little faith?’ And with that he stood up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and all was calm again. The men were astounded and said, ‘Whatever kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him.’
CatholicJules.net 