Homilies

Waterford, CT – July 29, 2007
Day of the Annual Festival

Matthew 14:22-34

“Courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid,” says Jesus.

Once in awhile, in our life as individuals or as a family or as a community, we get
in trouble; and it seems that God leaves us alone, and allows us to try our own
strength.

What happens if God leaves us alone? We read in Psalm 103, at the daily Vesper
Service: “You hide your face and they cringe, you suspend their breath and they
die and return to their dust. You send forth your breath and they live: you renew
the face of the earth..” (Psalm 103/104:29-30)

In today’s reading, according to St. Matthew, Jesus was up on the mountain
praying alone, while the boat of His Disciples was far in the lake, tossed about by
the waves, because the wind was blowing against it.

At that moment, the Disciples needed Him most. “In the dark night we miss the full
moon,” says an Arabic proverb. So, Jesus comes to His Disciples walking on the
water. He appeared like a phantom. In fact they were terrified. They thought it was
a ghost and they screamed with fear. He comes to help them; but He terrifies
them.

Jesus reassured them: “Courage! He said. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

They felt like being in a magic world. They didn’t know what to make of it. Peter
who loved venture tells Him. “Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the
water to you.”

“Come,” answered Jesus. So Peter proceeded toward Jesus; and he almost made
it. Hurray! But, the moment he stopped looking at Jesus and was drawn by the
sight of the surrounding and threatening water, he started to sink down. “Save
me, Lord,” he cried.

At once, Jesus reached out and grabbed his hand.and said: “What little faith you
have. Why did you doubt?” and they kept walking on the water and jumped into
the boat. And the wind died down. This incident brings to mind an old verse:
“If the stars and the moon would doubt
They would fade out.”

Without Jesus, there is the storm. With Jesus there is calm and safety.
Without Jesus, there is doubt. With Jesus, there is surety.

If one is drowning, he may get nervous and drown down the one who is trying to
save him or her. The safest way to receive help is surrender “Sometimes, “Who is
afraid to die dies of fear.” Who is drowning and gets hysterical pulls down the one
who is trying to save him. “Courage, it is I, says the Lord.” And He leads us to
safety.

What do we do when we are surrounded by a raging storm? Do we look at the
waters and at the swirling wind? or do we rather fix our eyes on Jesus?
Of course, “help yourself and heaven will help you,” says a French proverb. (Aide-
toi, le ciel t’aidera.” But keep your eyes up. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains,
where help will come to me. My help is from the Lord who made heaven and
earth.” (Psalm 120/121:1-2)

Did you hear the old story of the atheist, maybe Madeleine O’Hare, debating a
Catholic priest? Sha said to him: “Reverend, if we are in a ship wreak, and I swim
and you pray. Who will be saved?”

The priest, reportedly, answered: “You swim and swim, and swim and swim. I swim
and pray and swim and pray. I have a better chance to be saved before you, M’
ame.”

Praying before our “business meetings such as the Parish Council is a very good
practice, regardless of the objection of some members who claim: “We are here to
carry business and not to pray.” . . . .

Praying at the beginning of any project helps bringing it to better results. Morning
prayer is the best guarantee of a joyful and successful day . . .
There are two kinds of people who greet the morning light. Some joyfully exclaim:
Good morning, Lord.” Others, half asleep, half heartedly complain: Good Lord!
Morning?

So, have a good day. Enjoy yourselves in the sight of the Lord. This beautiful
celebration of the Divine Liturgy is the best preparation for a very enjoyable day
as a loving family under God’s paternal eyes.

“If God is with us, nothing can prevail against us. For the love of God has set us
free.”

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