August 10, 2014

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9,11-13

   At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD-- but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake-- but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire-- but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

தமிழ்

Responsorial Psalm: 85:9,10.11-12.13-14
Response: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
   I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD — for he proclaims peace. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (Response)
   Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (Response)
  The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps. (Response)

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

   Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kin according to the flesh. They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah. God who is over all be blessed forever. Amen.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

   After he feed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus
   Man of faith sees God and his presence close to him in whatever happens. But a man of little faith sees the natural events as they happen (as natural events). Jesus sent the disciples away to go before him. As they went they saw the sea which they were used to; they saw the wind and the rough sea as they were used to in the past; they were used to work into the fourth watch and it was natural for them; and that was the reason they see a ghost (everything happened as natural events and they understood the same way)
   Peter also gets on to the sea with his little faith (seeing the things naturally as normal events that take place regularly). Man of little faith did not see the presence of Jesus as the presence of God. His little faith made him see everything as natural events. So he had to go into the sea and that is the natural law. Only when he sees Jesus as Lord and son of God then there is life for him. Man of faith sees Jesus the presence of God. Faith is essential for a happy and successful life. Men of little faith also live their lives but they struggle through difficulties and problems.