Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr. Levi Meme, SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Tuesday 13th Week in Ordinary Time
The story of Matthew in today’s Gospel was a very ordinary scene on the Sea of Galilee. The strong wind could blow suddenly, causing big waves. The calm of one moment can become the raging storm of the next. The storms on the Sea of Galilee combine suddenness and violence in a unique way.
Dr. W. M. Christie, who spend many years in Galilee, says that during these storms the winds seem to blow from all directions at the same time, for they rush down the narrow gorges in the hills and strike the water at an angle. He tells of one occasion:
“A company of visitors were standing on the shore at Tiberias, and noting the glassy surface of the water and the smallness of the lake, they expressed doubts as to the possibility of such storms as those described in the Gospels. Almost immediately the wind sprung up. In twenty minutes the sea was white with foam-crested waves. Great billows broke over the towers at the corners of the city walls, and the visitors were compelled to seek shelter from the blinding spray, though now two hundred yards from the lake side.”
In less than half an hour the placid sunshine had become a raging storm. That is what happened to Jesus and his disciples. But the main point of Matthew’s story is not really about the strong wind or the sudden storms that cause violent waves, but it is all about the presence of Jesus. Wherever Jesus is, the storms of life become moments of calm! In His presence the most terrible of tempests turns to peace. When the storms of doubt seek to uproot the very foundations of the faith, there is safety in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Today’s Gospel teaches us that when the storms of life shake our souls, Jesus Christ is there, and in his presence the raging storm turns to calm, and that no storm can ever take that away. Although the trials and difficulties in life come unexpectedly and with unwanted surprises, there is calm and comfort in the presence of Christ. In him we find peace and security. Life is a walk of faith in the Lord—full of surprises yet fulfilling, full of tests yet rewarding, and full of trials yet strengthening. Only those who have faith can see Christ in their lives.
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