During the Fifth Crusade, St. Francis of Assisi crossed enemy lines to meet Sultan al-Kamil in Egypt. His companions warned him that he could be killed, but Francis went without weapons or protection, carrying only the courage of faith. He trusted that God was greater than the danger before him.
This beautifully echoes today’s liturgy. Elijah encounters God not in the violent wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. In the Gospel, Peter steps onto the water while the storm is raging, but begins to sink when he takes his eyes off Jesus and looks at the waves. How often do we do the same? We allow problems, fears, disappointments, and uncertainties to become so loud that they drown out the quiet voice of God.
Yet Jesus comes through the storm and says, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter teaches us that faith does not mean the absence of storms, but the courage to keep our eyes on Christ within them. When Peter cries, “Lord, save me,” Jesus immediately stretches out His hand. Today, may we learn to hear God in the silence, recognize Him in the storm, and trust Him when the way ahead is uncertain. For the Christian, the greatest danger is not the storm around us, but losing sight of Christ within it. Amen.
Fr. Kingsley Nze
Director of Pastoral Affairs
Comments (0)
Security Check
Please complete the captcha to verify you are human.