From Our Pastor

08-13-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear people of God,

Good morning to you all! St. Boniface Fall Festival, Waumandee is fast approaching, (Going to be next Sunday, August 20th). Please save the date and welcome!. On this 19th Sunday, the liturgy of word of God speaks about how God restored peace to three personalities namely Elijah, Paul, and Peter. First, Elijah was fearful, and running away from Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel, who wanted to kill him. Second, Paul was ravaged by sorrow due to the unbelief of his “fellow Israel.” This was a great burden that threatened his peace of mind. Third, Peter was sinking right in front of Jesus, due to fear, his lack of faith and courage. As such, their peace was threatened. In the first reading, the prophet Elijah encountered God in a gentle breeze and his peace was restored. An important lesson for us in this reading is that, when we are internally calm and away from the distractions of life, we hear God speak to us. To say that God spoke to Elijah after the gentle breeze, is simply to say that Elijah experienced peace of mind. God speaks to us when we are internally recollected and calm. It is when we are recollected, that we hear Him speak to us.

In the second reading, Paul expresses his grief for his fellow Jews. This was because, they rejected the good news. He was not at peace because of their situation. Therefore, Paul teaches us that we must not always think about ourselves alone. Rather, we should equally be concerned about the welfare, salvation and peace of others. It is through this, that we derive our own inner peace.

In today’s gospel, the disciples of Jesus experienced the storm of their life, and Jesus was available to calm it, and equally, restore their peace. Like the disciples of Jesus, each one of us experience the storm in diverse ways in our lives. “Storms” are part and parcel of our human existence just as the waves are inevitable in the sea. Thus, we lose our peace of mind. It in this situation, if we encounter Christ in our constant prayer, our peace is restored.

Finally, as Christ said to Peter, so he also says to us today: “Courage! Do not be afraid, it is I.” So, we need to trust Him, and keep walking without the fear of sinking. Like Peter, we must step out with faith and courage against the storms of our life. Therefore, let us hold on firmly to Jesus, who calms our storms and restores our peace. May the grace of God firmly lead us to live beyond every setback of fear and doubt. Wishing you all wonderful weekend!!

Yours in Jesus,

Fr. Doss