Readings: Genesis 10:15-29; Psalm 25; Matthew 8:23-27
Yesterday, I went to give Holy Communion to a woman who is homebound. Whilst having a conversation with her, she was expressing her frustration at her condition. She told me how hard it was for her moving from being independent and active to suddenly relying on people for virtually everything.
Listening to her, I cannot help but think how suddenly life can change, how suddenly a storm can break over one’s life, health, job, family, vocation, career, etc.
In the Gospel of today, we heard that the disciples started well but suddenly a storm broke over the lake – it is called the tragedy of a sudden storm. Lot was prosperous in Sodom and Gomorrah, until the storm broke out, the cities were destroyed and he lost everything, even his wife. He almost lost his life.
Worse still, sometimes in the storm, God seems away, far, silent or asleep.
This message is for someone who has or is experiencing the storm – your God is greater than your storms, Jesus says to you today, “Do not be frightened. I am with you. Be steady in faith in the storm. You will see the end of the storm and you will glorify God.”
Today is the memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. She had her fair share of the storm – her husband was openly unfaithful and abusive, and she was called to make peace in dangerous and complicated politics. Elizabeth found strength and her joy in prayers and works of mercy/charity.
May her prayers and examples help us to trust that our God is greater than our storms, that He is with us, and that our storms will serve His purpose eventually.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on July 4, 2023.