Why are you so afraid, you weak in faith?" Then he stood up and threatened the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm

 

The boat is a figure of the community of disciples, threatened by the evil world, but comforted by the presence of Jesus. The Church, at all times and places, has been a victim of misunderstanding and violence. The first Christian communities were victims of cruel attacks by opponents. Many Christians suffered martyrdom because of their fidelity to Jesus Christ. In the midst of the waves, Jesus slept. Does Jesus want to show that he is in complete harmony with nature or, perhaps, lead the disciples to trust completely in the power of God? Whatever it is, Jesus is telling us once again, “Do not be afraid. It is me". In other words: “Why are you doubting? Don’t you believe I’m with you?” The small faith of the disciples and ours must grow.

The Lord God spoke; who will not be your prophet?

Reading of the Prophecy of Amos 3:1-8; 4.11-12

1

Hear, children of Israel,

the word that the Lord spoke to you

and for all tribes

which I brought out of Egypt:

two

"Among all the nations of the earth,

I only recognized you;

so I will use punishment

for all your iniquities.

3

If two people walk together,

Isn't it because they agree?

4

If the lion roars in the jungle,

Isn't it because he found the prey?

If the lion cub growls in the den,

Isn't it because you grabbed part of it?

5

Chance, no trap,

do you pin a bird to the ground?

Maybe you trigger the trap,

before capturing the prey?

6

If the sound of the trumpet resounds in the city,

Isn't the population terrified?

If something bad happens in the city,

Didn't the Lord do it?

7

For the Lord God will do nothing,

that he does not reveal the plan to his servants, the prophets.

8

The lion roars,

who will not be afraid?

The Lord God spoke,

who will not be your prophet?

4.11

I destroyed you,

how I razed Sodom and Gomorrah,

and you were like a brand,

removed from the fire;

and yet you did not return to me",

says the Lord.

12

“Therefore this is how I will deal with you, Israel;

and, because you know how I will treat you,

prepare yourself, Israel,

to settle accounts with your God."

Word of the Lord.

Responsorial psalm

Ps 5,5-6.7.8 (R. 9a)

R. In your justice guide me Lord!

5

You are not a God who delights in iniquity, *

evil cannot live with you;

6

not even the wicked will be able to stand *

before your eyes. A.

7

You hate those who practice iniquity *

and destroy the liar.

O Lord, you abhor the bloodthirsty, *

the wicked and deceitful. A.

8

But I, by your generous grace, *

I can enter your house.

And, reverently returning to your temple, *

with respect I adore you. A.

Acclamation to the Gospel

Ps 129(130,5)

R. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

V. In the Lord I put my hope,

 I hope in his word.

GOSPEL

Rising, he threatened the winds and the sea,

and there was a great calm.

Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 8:23-27

In that time,

23

Jesus entered the boat,

and his disciples accompanied him.

24

And behold, there was a great storm at sea,

so that the boat was being covered by the waves.

Jesus, however, slept.

25

The disciples approached

and they woke him up, saying:

"Lord, save us,

for we are perishing!”

26

Jesus replied:

"Why are you so afraid, you weak in faith?"

Then, rising, he threatened the winds and the sea,

and there was a great calm.

27

The men were amazed and said:

"Who is this man,

that even the winds and the sea obey him?"

Word of Salvation.