19th Sunday in the year A

 Introduction

We also use the word “perspective” when we want to say that from what perspective – perspective, we look at a thing or event. We can also look at today’s Gospel state from two perspectives. The first is from the perspective of the nascent Church. By the time Matthew wrote the gospel, Jesus was no longer on earth. The ship of the Church, led by Peter, began to enter the history of the world without his physical presence. However, the peaceful voyage did not last long. After a few years, the persecution of the disciples in Jerusalem began. They stoned Stefan. Christians scattered across Palestine and into the Roman Empire. Even stronger storms came. Emperor Nero began to bloodily persecute Jesus’ disciples. After him his followers.

Homily

Therefore, when Christians read the gospel in such times, the events experienced by Peter and the other apostles on the stormy sea were a reinforcement for them. For reading them, they felt that the Master was still with them, they needed to be called and he would help them. They believed that Jesus had risen from the dead and that he was still alive. He is the one who tells them in times of persecution: do not be afraid! He gives them hope that they will not fall in the spirit in the midst of difficulties, that their faith will not be weakened, that they will not rely only on their own strength.

This was from the perspective of the early Church. And how is it from our point of view, from our perspective? What does the gospel event say to today’s Christians? It may seem to us that we are swimming alone without the help of Jesus. In the gospel event, Jesus came at the end of the night, when it was slowly dawning. The believer must understand and accept this fact. There are times in our lives, but also in the life of the Church, in which we strive ourselves as apostles at sea. Even in difficult times, we must trust and ask for help. Jesus leaves us as if forsaken to realize how we need him. If we remain faithful, as we will not betray him, if we do not begin to doubt him, then we will finally feel his presence, his closeness and his help, as the apostles have experienced.

The experience we gain gives us the taste and courage to say to today’s world: Jesus is truly the Son of God. We are concerned about the projects of today’s world that are directed against Christ and the Church. Sometimes we feel helpless, how to address today’s world, how to influence it. But we should never despair. Everything that seems strong today will be weak tomorrow and will disappear the day after tomorrow. At this stage, God also allows us to test some helplessness, in which, if we stand, we will show the world that only Jesus is the Messiah and that only with him and in him can the world exist. Let us remember today’s gospel in various doubts and afflictions. The old people explained it this way: God will allow, but will not forsake.