Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jeremiah 28:1-17, Psalm 119 and Matthew 14:22-36
“Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made these people trust in a lie. Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth.” (Jeremiah 28:15-16)
Our first reading today contains a drama. A prophet called Ananias lied against God by announcing to the people something he did not hear from God. He went as far as breaking the wooden bars that God had told Jeremiah to place on his neck as a symbol of the imminent exile of the people as a result of their sins. In Ananias, we see an example of what becomes of men and women of God who lie on the Altar in the name of God telling the people what they like to hear rather than what God himself has spoken.
While growing up, we were told: “Say the truth and shame the devil.” This is a saying that does not apply to children only. Even as adults, even as grown-ups, we should remember that each time we tell a lie, we are giving credits to Satan, the father of lies. There is no justification whatsoever for telling a lie.
After the feeding of the multitude, Jesus goes to the hills by himself to pray. As Jesus prayed, he saw that the disciples were in danger and He went to them walking on water. The disciples who were already frightened are even more afraid thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I, have no fear.”
Peter wants to be very sure; he tells Jesus to command that he too would walk on water. Jesus obliges Peter and he gets out of the boat and starts walking towards Jesus but when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink he cried out “Lord, save me.” Jesus reached out his hand and caught him saying: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Peter had faith enough to step into the water but was soon overcome by fear and doubt.
Faith is like a fire. We must constantly feed it with fresh logs so that it continues to burn brightly. If we do not feed our faith, fear takes control of our lives.
When Jesus got into the boat, there was a great calm. Everyone in the boat worshipped Jesus saying: “Truly, you are the Son of God.” When Jesus is in your life, your soul is always at peace regardless of what may be happening around you. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may truth never be lacking from my lips. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.
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