18th Week, Tuesday, August 2nd
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Matthew 14:22-36
God speaks to his people; "I will restore my people."
Jeremiah prophesied in Judah in the most critical time in the nation's history: before and after the destruction of the city and the Temple by the Babylonians. Today's reading is addressed to the people in their darkest hour: after the fall of the city and the Temple. It assures the people that God will eventually restore their nation to its former glory. He will wipe away their tears and, once again, make them dance for joy.
***
How do we respond when sorrow or tragedy invades our lives? Do these imposters tend to make us bitter or better as persons? "How often we look upon God as our last and feeblest recourse! We go to him because we have nowhere else to go. And then we learn that the storms of life have driven us not upon the rocks, but into the desired haven." George MacDonald
***
Introduction
The prophet Jeremiah first reminds the people of the punishment for their infidelity, but then he opens the perspectives to a beautiful restoration, when Israel shall be again God’s people and God will be their God.
The symbolism of the gospel narrative is very strong. Water is evil, which swallows up. Jesus, the Lord, is mightier. He invites the disciple and the whole Church to take the risk of faith of following him. Faith is insecure by itself; we have to pass through the storms of life between faith and fear. But the Lord is there, unseen: It is I, I am with you. Do not be afraid.
***
It is always necessary to be cautious whenever we put anything into writing. That is because the written word cannot be changed, and it can have a long-term effect, if not a lasting effect. Especially when writing about God. All the more, caution must be exercised. Yet, God Himself didn't seem to hold back any sentiments when He told the prophet Jeremiah to put His words down in writing, as we heard in the 1st reading. Certainly we can feel the cutting edge of those words addressed to the people - your wound is incurable, your injury past healing. There is no one to care for your sore, no medicine to make you well again. Why bother to complain about your wound? Your pain is incurable.
Yet, as much as God lets His people be punished by their enemies for their sins and infidelities, God is also there to heal and restore His people. So, for as much as His people turned away from God, He still keeps His promise - You shall be my people and I will be your God. And Jesus would reinforce that promise by saying to His disciples - Courage, it is I! Do not be afraid.
So whether we are walking tall in the sunshine of confidence or spiralling down into the murky waters of darkness, let us keep those three words of Peter - Lord! Save me! Yes, those three simple words will certainly bring about salvation and healing for us.
***
Opening Prayer: Lord our God, there is a constant tension in us between fear and faith as we are battling with the winds and the waves that threaten our faithfulness to the gospel. Make us accept, Lord, that faith is never secure or acquired once and for all. Make it grow in us day after day, that we may not be faint-hearted but resolutely follow your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
