A reading from the Holy Gospel according to the Apostle and Evangelist Saint Matthew (Mt 14:22-34)
"Immediately afterwards (Jesus) ordered the disciples to get on the boat and to lead him to the other side, while he would dismiss the crowd. When the crowd was dismissed, he went up the mountain alone to pray. When evening came, he was still alone up there.
The boat was already a few miles off the ground and was agitated by the waves, because of the heady wind. Towards the end of the night, he came to them walking on the sea. The disciples, seeing him walking on the sea, were troubled and said: «He is a ghost» and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them: «Courage, I am, do not be afraid». Peter told him: «Lord, if it is you, command that I come to you on the waters». And he said: «Come!». Peter, coming down from the boat, started to walk on the waters and went to Jesus. But for the violence of the wind, it was frightened and, beginning to sink, shouted: «Lord, save me!». And immediately Jesus stretched out the hand, it seized him and told him: «Man of little faith, because you have doubted?».
As soon as they got on the boat, the wind stopped. Those who were on the boat prostrated themselves before him, exclaiming: «You are truly the Son of God!».
When they had crossed, they landed at Genèsaret."
Reflection
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, to you all peace and blessing!
In today’s Liturgy, we heard a passage from the first Epistle of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (chapter 3, verses 9-17).
It addresses several important issues for the Christian community of Corinth. In this specific passage, the Apostle Paul uses the image of a building to explain the nature of the Church and the importance of her holiness.
In detail:
Verses 9-10: Paul compares himself to a skilled builder who founded the Church of Corinth. He points out that the building (the Church) is founded on Jesus Christ, not on Peter as the Latins erroneously profess, as a unique and solid foundation, and stresses the importance of building on this basis.
Fulfilling the words of Psalm 118 (117):
"The stone discarded by the builders has become the cornerstone."
Verses 11-15: Paul states that there are different types of constructions that we can add to the Church building. The materials we build represent our works and our actions. Some works are valuable and durable such as gold, silver and precious stones, while others are of low value such as wood, hay and straw. On judgment day, when the fire of proof is applied to the works, those that are of resistant value (symbolized by gold, silver and precious stones) will resist, while those of insignificant value (represented by wood, hay and straw) will go up in smoke.
Verses 16-17: Paul warns that the Church is the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in it. Whoever destroys or corrupts the temple of God, that is, the Church, will incur the wrath of God. The holiness of the temple of God is of the utmost importance.
The meaning of this step can be summarized as follows:
The Church is founded on Jesus Christ as its unique and solid foundation. Our works and actions add layers to the building of the Church, and we must be careful to build with materials of resistant value (virtuous and faithful actions) rather than with materials of insignificant value (wicked or faith-free actions). The Church is the temple of God and its holiness is sacred. We must live in such a way as to respect and preserve this sacredness, avoiding destroying or corrupting the Church with wrong or schismatic behavior.
This theme of the Faith is reflected in today’s Gospel passage. Indeed, it is centered on Peter’s faith and the importance of trusting Jesus even in difficult situations.
In this passage, Jesus walks on the waters of the sea during a storm and his disciples, frightened and distraught, see him from afar. Peter, desirous of drawing near to Jesus, also asks to walk on the waters. Jesus tells him to go to meet him, and Peter begins to walk on the waters, but when he realizes the strength of the wind, he begins to be afraid and begins to sink.
This episode teaches us that faith can enable us to do extraordinary things, but it requires constant trust in Jesus even when we face challenges and difficulties. However, the passage also warns about the loss of confidence, since when Peter has doubts, he begins to sink. Jesus saves him and rebukes him for his lack of faith, emphasizing the importance of maintaining faith even when circumstances seem adverse.
It also shows us that even when we doubt or make mistakes, Jesus is ready to help and support us, if we turn to Him with sincere faith.
Over the centuries many Fathers of the Church have offered comments and reflections on this passage. Among the most well-known Patristic commentaries are those of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Gregory the Great.
Saint John Chrysostom (347-407 AD), known for his homilies, deepened the figure of Peter and highlighted his impetus and his will to follow Jesus. However, he also noted how fear and doubt can undermine a person’s faith and his ability to persevere on the following path of Christ:
"Peter, who first recognized the Lord, is the first to falter; for his first fervor had no solid foundation. In fact, who does not have the foundation of faith is like a house that is built on the sand. For this, Peter asks for help and says: 'Lord, save me!' It is like saying: 'If I have confidence in myself, I will falter and fall. But when I lean on the rock of faith, then I will be stable and firm".
Saint Gregory the Great (540-604 AD), one of the first Popes to write exegetical commentaries, interpreted this passage as an example of the human condition: the believer, like Peter, is called to walk on the path of Jesus, but often faces obstacles and doubts along the way. Only through faith in Jesus and prayer, as Peter invoked help, can the believer be sustained and guided by God:
"Peter saw the wind and was frightened. Thus, those who perceive the lightness of their nature are overcome by fear. Faith makes him walk on water, but fear makes him sink. But as soon as Peter cried out: 'Lord, save me!' the Lord immediately took him by the hand and said: 'A man of little faith, why did you doubt?' See? Faith and fear are contrary to each other: if you want to walk on the waters, hold fast in faith; if you begin to doubt, you will immediately sink."
These are just a few examples of how the Fathers of the Church interpreted and commented on this Gospel passage. Each patristic commentary brings its own unique theological and spiritual viewpoint, contributing to the understanding and application of this biblical passage in the life of believers.
However, maintaining faith even when circumstances seem adverse is a fundamental aspect of spiritual life. Faith is trust and deep conviction that what we believe and hope in God is true, even when trials or difficulties seem to test it.
In life, we often face difficult, painful, or unforeseen situations, and it can be easy to feel discouraged, lost or doubt God’s goodness or presence. However, true faith is shown in these very moments. Keeping faith in adverse circumstances means:
Entrusting ourselves to God: Believing that God is present and that he loves us, even when we do not understand his ways or his decisions.
Prayer and trust: Turn to God with prayer and trust in his wisdom, knowing that he can bring good even from difficult situations.
Resilience: Be willing to persevere in faith, despite difficulties, without giving in to discouragement or resignation.
Hope: Cultivate the hope that, although things seem difficult now, there are possibilities for change and renewal.
Spiritual learning: Use difficulties as opportunities to grow spiritually, learn important lessons and mature in faith.
Authentic faith is a force that can give us courage, consolation, and peace even in the most difficult moments. Maintaining faith in adverse circumstances helps us to see beyond present difficulties and to continue to walk in the light of hope and trust in God.
In short, overcoming difficulties is based on trust in God, on the search for divine grace and on the awareness that spiritual struggle is an intrinsic element of the journey towards God. We as Christians must try to face difficulties with courage and hope, knowing that God is with us and that the communion of saints offers us spiritual support during the challenges of life.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, yesterday we celebrated the liturgical memorial of Saint Apolinare of Ravenna or Saint Apolinare the Martyr.
Saint Apolinare was a bishop and martyr who lived in the second century. Sent by Saint Peter himself, of whom he was a disciple, he was able to evangelize the local population in Ravenna and spread Christianity.
According to Tradition, Saint Apolinare suffered many persecutions in his life because of his faith in Christ and, because of this love in him, he endured several tortures. Until he was beheaded.
Sant'Apolinare is venerated as protector of Ravenna, and the city is known for its basilica, the Basilica of Sant'Apolinare in Classe, built in his honor in the sixth century.
On this ninth Sunday after Pentecost, which prepares us to live the Solemnity of the
Dormition of St Anne, Mother of Mary, Mother of God, is also my first anniversary of my diaconal ordination.
My first year as a deacon was an exciting and deeply rewarding journey. Entering the diaconal ministry was a divine call that I accepted with humility and devotion. Since I first wore the vestments, I have experienced an inner transformation and a growing awareness of my role in service to the community and the Church. How can I forget my involuntary crying of joy during my ordination?!
In the first chapter of this journey, I experienced strong and beautiful emotions. Spiritual and theological formation has provided me with a solid foundation to face the challenges of ministry.
My first year as a deacon was marked by numerous opportunities for community service. Through visits to my friends in need of help and comforting some of my relatives who have suffered the loss of a loved one, I had the opportunity to share the comfort and hope of the Gospel with those who were in difficult times. Even when I didn’t know what was best to help them, my simple presence was a refreshment for their soul.
The diaconal ministry also enabled me to deepen my spiritual growth. Daily prayer, reflection on the Word of God and participation in the sacraments gave me the strength and support I needed to face the challenges of ministry. I found that listening attentively to the experiences of others helped me to become more attuned to the community and to understand people’s spiritual needs even more.
No path is without challenges, and my first year as a deacon was no different. I faced personal challenges and had to learn to balance my ministry with my family and professional life. However, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. Seeing the smile of gratitude in the eyes of those I served constantly reminded me of the deep meaning of my role.
My first year as a deacon was an experience that changed me significantly. Community service and spiritual growth have made me a more compassionate, patient and loving person. I look forward to continuing my journey as a deacon, growing and learning more and more in service to God and to others.
Finally, I ask you kindly, do not forget to remember me in your constant prayers so that I may continue to grow and serve in the vocation of deacon with dedication, faith and worthily preparing myself for the sacred order of the priesthood to come.
May the Lord bless you now and always!
Archdeacon Michele Alberto Del Duca.
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