Scripture for Mass
1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
Psalm 85(84):9ab, 10. 11-12. 13-14. Response: 8
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:22-33
In recent years, weather extremes have become the norm on every continent. Record-breaking temperatures, super typhoons or prolonged torrential rainfalls feature frequently in global news reports. Meanwhile, many respected meteorologists predict that future climactic conditions will become even more severe with devastating consequences not only for humankind but for all forms of life on Earth.
Pope Francis sought to address this impending planetary crisis with an encyclical entitled Laudato Si’ (2015) and with a follow-up apostolic exhortation, Laudato Deum, in 2023. While both documents have served as a wake-up call for some Catholics to take a firm stance in the defence, protection and restoration of our Common Home, unfortunately those papal teachings have fallen on rocky ground in so many parts of the Church.
Given such widespread indifference in the face of an impending global catastrophe, those Christians who are committed to caring for our Common Home may well feel as if they are battling a terrifying storm which threatens to destroy their faith in the Church, in humanity and even in God.
Caught up in such a perilous personal crisis, Jesus’ message in today’s gospel story is both encouraging and challenging. He is nearby and his presence is reassuring. However, it is not a presence which immediately calms our fears, but rather one that calls us to be courageous like Peter, to risk everything, and to trust him completely.
Jesus is indeed Lord of all the earth, but he has no heart but ours to treasure it, no voice but ours to defend it, and no hands but ours to protect it from the ongoing raging storm.
Creator God, we thank you for the universe, including planet Earth, which demonstrates your wisdom, greatness and goodness.
Look with mercy and compassion on the work of your hands.
Pour out your Spirit anew on all humanity that we may recognise our vocation as your stewards.
Do not allow us Christians to be overwhelmed by storms of opposition or waves of indifference as we strive to remain faithful to the mission you have entrusted to us to care for our Common Home.
May Christ reassure us with his presence, calm us with his words, and uphold us with his strength.
We ask this through Christ the Lord of Creation.
Amen
Fr. Tim Mulroy
