THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Her Doctrine and Morals

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

3 November 2024

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The Sunday

Sermon

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Dear Friends in Christ,

In today's Gospel reading (St. Matthew 8:23-27), we read that Jesus was asleep on a boat, and the wind and waves were threatening the boat so much that the disciples woke Him, and He calmed both the sea and the wind.

Many saw the miracles that Jesus had worked on land, but this one was apparently specifically for the disciples of Jesus. They are first given a slight rebuke: "Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith?" This rebuke is not a condemnation of their fear but a gentle reminder of the power of faith in overcoming fear. The shame of their weakness was kept from the multitude on land. Jesus spared their good name or reputation. This specific miracle was performed for them so that they could understand that Jesus is both Man and God. He sleeps in His Humanity but is always awake and aware in His Divinity. We are often made aware of the weakness or shame of some of our fellow men, and by this example of Jesus, we should not reveal this to the world. If we are in a position to admonish others, we should seek a time and place that is away from the eyes and ears of the rest of the world so that we may spare their reputations and good names.

There is a proper time and place for everything, whether to praise, encourage, rebuke, or admonish. But in everything, we must imitate the charity that Jesus shows us. He shows us no signs of hatred, disgust, frustration, or animosity. It is always with loving kindness that He teaches, encourages, admonishes, and corrects. Parents, teachers, pastors, and all who have authority over others need to pay close attention to and imitate this attribute of Jesus. His example serves as a constant source of inspiration and motivation for us to follow in His footsteps.

The multitude was spared the fright of the storm at sea. However, the disciples were not because they were His disciples. The closer we draw to Jesus, the greater trials we must pass through. The multitude saw from a distance the power and mercy of God in the many miracles that Jesus worked in their presence on land. And most were spared the intense trials and tribulations that those closer to Jesus experienced on the sea. In our spiritual lives, we need to understand that the nearer we draw to Jesus, the greater the trials and temptations become. The world and the devils will hate us and attack us the more because they hate Jesus, Who they see in us or through us. God permits this because it is necessary for us to humbly realize our own weakness or lack of faith. Ultimately, God can draw even greater good from these evils. Today's disciples of Jesus should expect and not be surprised by storms and tempests raging in their lives. We should also calmly and trustingly turn to Jesus when we are weakened by the assaults of the devils, the world, and our fallen natures.

This miracle on the sea may also be considered a preparation for Jesus' death on the Cross. The boat Jesus slept on symbolizes the Cross on which He slept in death. The storm that raged on the sea parallels the storm that shook the earth and darkened the skies when He died on the Cross. The fear and prayers of the disciples in the boat parallel the fear and prayers of the faithful as Jesus hung upon the Cross. As He rose from sleep on the ship and calmed the winds and the sea, He rose from the dead, calmed the fear, and strengthened the waning faith of His disciples after His Resurrection.

No matter what happens to us in this life, we should never lose faith but recall that Jesus is God, and God is not asleep. He sees and knows everything. The storms in our lives are necessary for us. They are opportunities for us to reflect on the weakness or strength of our faith, as well as opportunities for us to expand, develop, and grow in true faith. Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the sea, He is always there to calm the storms in our lives and strengthen our faith. His presence is our anchor, providing us with reassurance and security amid life's storms.

Whether it is our fear and weakness in faith that is in question or that of others, we should do our best not to put this on display for the world. We must strive to protect the good names and reputations of ourselves and others. As Catholics and disciples of Jesus, it is our responsibility to uphold the dignity of each person. We need to be able to put forth the Light of Jesus for the world to see and follow. This means living our lives in a way that reflects the teachings of Jesus, showing love and compassion to others, and being a source of hope and inspiration. It is not ourselves that we wish to pridefully put before the world but humbly put forth the Light and Life of Jesus as He manifests Himself through us. Though we are weak and imperfect, our goal is always to follow Jesus and strive to be perfect because Our Father in Heaven is Perfect (St. Matthew 5:48).

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us!