ST IRENAEUS Bp, M (Memorial) Red

He was the bishop of Lyons and a disciple of St Polycarp of Smyrna. Born in c. 130 at Asia Minor. He worked and wrote against Gnosticism. Gnosticism taught that salvation is achieved through special knowledge and that the material world is evil. If matter is evil, it therefore means that Jesus Christ cannot be true God and true man for Christ is not evil. So Gnostics by teaching that matter is evil denied the Incarnation. With the works of St John Irenaeus argued against Gnosticism. He also emphasised the unity of the Old and New Testament and was martyred in 202. His tomb and relics were destroyed.

First Reading: Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12; Psalm: 5. R. v. 9a; Gospel: Mt 8:23-27

FOLLOWING IN ABSOLUTE TRUST

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

There is this security we feel when under threat but suddenly are protected by a stronger force that can overpower the impending danger. For instance, when our houses are heavily guarded by security operatives, we fear less of any attack. A stronger force always dissipates a weaker force.

“When Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him.” This immediate action of the disciples already revealed their trust in Jesus. But it should bother us why Jesus would have to lead them into a boat that eventually got swamped by the waves. Why would Jesus endanger their lives? Whatever happened on that boat was very necessary. It was a sign to his disciples that their choice to follow him would be accompanied by turbulent and disquieting experiences of life that may even pose threats to their lives. But the calming of the sea by Jesus was an assurance that he would give them the peace and calmness to overcome them. They just needed to trust in him.

Just like the disciples we are journeying with Christ through the sea. Turbulence therefore is inevitable. But we need to trust Jesus who leads the way. At times, when we are burdened by the trials of life we worry more and hope less, think more and pray less, and depend more on ourselves than on God. But for every Christian, the reverse should be the case. At our trying moments we need to worry less and hope more, think less and pray more and depend completely on God and not on ourselves. Remember, Christ is the one leading the way. We shouldn’t forget this. If we trust in him, he will take control.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may our faith and trust in you never wither. Amen.