Why did Jesus call them ‘men of little faith'?

 

God will not allow us to perish.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Tuesday of 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, July 4th, 2023
Texts: Genesis 19:15-29; Psalm 26:2-3.9-12; Matthew 8:23-27 

Today’s Readings speak to us about the power of God to save. We learn from today’s gospel reading that we cannot perish when we are with God. Peter said to Jesus, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” Jesus answered, “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” Why did Jesus call them ‘men of little faith’? Would they have called on Him to save them if they did not have faith in Him? Calling on Him to save them shows they had faith in His power to save.  

Their faith was little because they thought they were dealing with a man. This is clear in their wonder, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” If they had called on Him as God and Lord of the universe, they would have not marvelled. In Jesus Christ God is with us so we should not be afraid. If we are truly in Christ, we should not say we are perishing when challenges confront us. God will not allow us to perish. He has the power to save and He is always willing to save us. 

But Lot’s wife behind him looked back, and she became a pillar of salt

Today’s first reading speak of how God save Lot and his family. We read, “So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrow the cities in which Lot dwelt.” We learn from Lot’s wife that once we are saved we are not to go back to our former life. We read, “But Lot’s wife behind him looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Jesus says, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). 

Prayer  

God our Father, You are always willing to save us, grant us a strong faith and that we may always call you for help. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke