In Patience and Fath, let us Walk with the Lord

Readings: 1st: I Kg 19:9. 11-13; Ps 84:9-14; 2nd: Rom 9:1-5; Gos: Mt 14:22-33

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was the chancellor of the Diocese of Fajardo Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Indeed, it takes much patience to work and walk with God. This is because, at times, God acts in a way that can drive an average human being or Christian crazy. If we do not lose faith at such moments, God will surely make all thing perfect at his appointed time. All we need to do is trust, obey, be patient, and not go crazy because going crazy will not solve any problem.

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We saw this in today’s first reading. Why should God order such a tired man, scared and running for his life, “Go outside and stand on the mountain,” with all its harsh, cold, and windy environment? This must be crazy! Okay, the poor man obeyed, yet, he had to endure standing aloft and being battered by different atmospheric conditions before God’s arrival.

Is this all that you have to say after all that I have endured in the hands of my enemies and this challenging atmospheric condition you have exposed my weak body to? Many more such questions must have filled the mind of Elijah, who wanted God to grant him death relief from his many troubles. Instead, he got more troubles from God.

The point is this. We find God where we least expect to find him. He does things on his terms and when it will benefit us the most. Unfortunately, we do not see it this way, especially once we are tired and overwhelmed by the tests and trials of our daily life.

Brothers and sisters, if we are patient enough, God will come, but he will come at his own time and terms when and where we least expect him. He never misses an appointment. Wait, my dear friend, wait, he will come! Though you are cast out in the cold and wind, though your flesh burns, do not be wary of waiting, he will come, and when he comes, he will make all things right, and all that seems crazy to you will become clear.

In today’s gospel, we see a similar pattern repeat itself. What a dangerous and crazy joke that was! Not only that he also left them alone in the boat and storm; Christ appeared from nowhere, walking on the sea like a ghost. Who does such a thing – scare his beloved ones to death? This must be crazy, but he did this crazy stuff for the safety of his beloved disciples. He came at the right time. Like his father, he never misses an appointment.

Even when our faith in him fades, his love and protection for us become stronger. He said to them, “Take courage; it is I; do not be afraid.” One simple test will convince me, Peter thought to himself. Immediately, he requested, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Of course, my friend responded Christ, “Come!”

Now that Peter has understood the meaning of this craziness, he steps out on the sea and begins to walk towards the master. He walked on the sea like the master but lacked the courage of the master. Suddenly, Peter lost concentration, his faith dwindled, and the primordial fear that enveloped them throughout the night took control of him. Again, the Lord intervened at the scream, “Lord, save me!” He intervened because he never misses an appointment. He is always there when we need him most though it seems he delays.

Today, Peter is a typical model of what happens to us in our walk with the Lord. We start strong and full of zeal at the Lord’s call. If we focus on him, we will never sink. We begin to slip and fall once we lose focus and feel the forces of the world around us.

So, let us ask God to sustain us in patience and strengthen our faith that we might be strong enough to face the storms of this life.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!