Monday, August 6, 2018

18th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 07-08-18

Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 / Matthew 14:22-36

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.