Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Liturgical Colour: Green
Table of the Word
First Reading: Genesis 19:15–29
Gospel: Matthew 8:23–27
Theme: Peace be still.
Reflection
Dearest friend(s) in Christ, with joy I welcome you to the first day in the 7th month in the year of our Lord - 2025. Today is Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year. In the course of today's Liturgical celebration the Table of the Word presents us with contrasting scenes: the destruction of Sodom in the first reading (cf. Genesis 19:15–29); and the calming of the storm in the Gospel by our Lord (cf.Matthew 8:23–27). Yet, a unifying thread binds them; God's saving power for the faithful and His call to trust in His providence even amidst chaos, doom and judgment.
In the first reading we see the angels hastening Lot and his family to flee Sodom before destruction falls. Even though Lot lingers, divine mercy persists. The angelic command, “Flee for your life, do not look back,” shows God's unfathomablelove and mercy upon His people. Amidst this, Lot’s wife lingered on the past by looking back. This however becomes a sign of what happens when we look back with attachment to a sinful past.
In the light of this, when life spells blue, we seems to lost out or meet ourselves at the crossroad, there is always an unseen power of stillness and restoration. This act of God's gratuitousnes is seen in today’s Gospel pericope where Jesus lord over the storm (cf.Matthew 8:23–27).
The Gospel takes us into the boat with Jesus and His disciples. As the storm rages, the disciples panic, forgetting that the Lord of the universe is with them. They cry out: “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” — a prayer of a man in need, trouble or despair. And God whose ear is always open look down with mercy and speak to the raging sea of life: "Be still" and indeed there comes calmness.
This miracle reveals not just His divine power but His presence amid life’s storms. The Fathers of the Church often interpret the boat as the Church, tossed by the tempests of persecution, sin, or trials, yet safely navigated by Christ.
On this, St. Augustine reflects: “When you have Christ in your boat, fear not the waves; for though He may seem to sleep, He is with you.” (Sermon 63). This is an invitation to faith that overcomes fear, trusting that Jesus is always present, even when He seems silent.
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, whether we are caught in a literal storm or battling an interior one, let us remember that God’s mercy still rescues, and Christ still commands the winds. Let us cry out with faith, “Lord, save us!”, and move forward without looking back — for He who calls us is faithful and true; with a hand ready to lift us up from the dust.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 01072025
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