Peace in the Storm: When Christ is in the Boat
Today’s readings highlight the theme of salvation as a dynamic, ongoing journey.
The first reading recalls the story of Lot’s rescue from Sodom, emphasizing that Abraham’s persistent prayer played a key role in God’s decision to save Lot’s family. This teaches us that our prayers for others are powerful and never wasted.
However, salvation also requires obedience and forward movement. Lot’s wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt . . . symbolizing bitterness and spiritual rigidity when we cling to the past instead of embracing change. True salvation calls for continual conversion and openness to transformation.
Jesus Rebukes Two Storms on the Sea
The Gospel complements this by recounting the storm on the sea, where Jesus rebukes not only the physical storm but also the inner storm of fear. The message is clear: storms in life are inevitable, but faith in Christ overcomes fear. Peace is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of Christ within it.
Ultimately, we are reminded that the Christian journey involves daily growth in holiness, faith, hope, and charity, always moving forward, never backward.
Listen to:
Peace in the Storm: When Christ is in the Boat
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Quote From The Homily
When we are with Jesus, storms are inevitable. They’ll come, we’ll be disturbed. But what Jesus is calling us not to be afraid. We should have faith. Faith in him. We should trust him. And it is this trust that is going to give us peace. It is this trust that is going to give us courage to move on, that Jesus is with us.
Peace is not absence of challenges. Peace is not absence of weaknesses. But peace is the presence of Christ, and that’s very powerful. And when Christ is with us, when we know that Christ is with us, even in the midst of storms, we shall have peace even in the midst of persecutions.
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The Storm on the Sea of Galilee: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1633
Uniquely, this painting was in a Boston Museum for almost 100 years, until 1990. It was stolen that year and remains missing.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 8: 23-27
First Reading: Genesis 19: 15-29
