Urgency, Faith, and the Saving Hand of God

Gen 19:15-29; Psalm: 25; Mt 8:23-27

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today, we will reflect on the profound themes of urgency, faith, and the saving hand of God. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, we are reminded that God’s justice and mercy are ever-present. Let us open our hearts to His words, for in them lies our hope and salvation.

Let us turn to the story of Lot in Genesis 19. As divine destruction loomed over Sodom and Gomorrah, God, in His mercy, sent angels to rescue Lot and his family. Yet, there was an urgency to their call. “Flee for your lives! Do not look back or stop anywhere in the plain!” The danger was imminent, and hesitation could lead to disaster. Imagine the weight of that moment. Lot’s family was urged to leave all they knew behind. They were called to abandon their attachments, their comforts, and their sins. But in their hesitation, they risked losing everything. God’s covenant faithfulness was not merely a promise of protection; it was a call to obedience. We must examine our own lives. What are the attachments that hold us back from fully embracing God’s call? What sins do we cling to that hinder our escape from the impending storm?

In Matthew 8, we see another powerful illustration of faith tested. The disciples found themselves in a boat as a fierce storm erupted. Waves crashed over them, and fear gripped their hearts. They cried out, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” In that moment, it seemed as if Christ was absent, asleep in the boat while they faced their fears. But here lies the essence of faith. It is in the storms of life that our faith is truly tested. When all seems lost, when the winds howl and the waters rise, it is then that we must cry out to Christ. His divine presence is a revelation of His power. He rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. His response was not just to the storm but also to the faith of His disciples. We cannot forget that faith requires our active participation. St. Paul VI once said that salvation is a gift from God, yet it demands our response. It is not enough to simply believe; we must cooperate with God’s saving initiative.

And in doing so, we must guard against spiritual complacency. Christ is our Ark, our peace amidst the storm. He beckons us to heed the urgent call of God. We must not look back on our past sins, but instead, focus on His saving grace. In our moments of distress, we are invited to cry out to Christ. He is waiting, ready to calm our storms and bring us to safety. As we leave this place today, let us deepen our faith in Christ’s sovereignty. Let us become instruments of God’s rescue for those around us. There is urgency in our mission. The world is in need of hope, and we are called to share that hope through our lives. So, I implore you, do not hesitate. Do not allow the weight of sin or fear to anchor you down. Embrace the urgency of God’s call. Trust in His saving hand. For in Him, we find our refuge, our strength, and our salvation. Amen.

St. Augustine reminds us: “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe” (Sermons).

St. Francis de Sales cautioned: “The same water that softens the egg hardens the clay; so it is with the trials of life – they soften the hearts of the faithful but harden the hearts of the proud and worldly.”

St. Teresa of Avila offers timeless counsel: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”

St. Thérèse of Lisieux: “When I am in trouble and just can’t pray, I just say, ‘Jesus, help me!’ and He always does.”