13th Week in Ordinary Time: Tuesday 2nd July 2019

Matthew presents his Gospel material in such a way as to draw deeper meaning out of it. Originally this was simply a miracle story, but in Matthew’s context it is a lesson in discipleship. It is preceded by Mt 8:19-22 where a Scribe comes forward and offers to follow Jesus “wherever you go”— a generous offer indeed, but, perhaps surprisingly, Jesus does not accept it. Neither does he actually refuse it — he answers with a short parable: “Foxes have their lairs and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”. Thus, Jesus challenges the Scribe to reflect carefully on his offering.

No one can offer himself to Jesus unreflectively as a disciple, for discipleship is not a human adventure but a divine calling. Jesus reminds his disciples at the Last Supper “You did not choose me. No; but I chose you”[Jn 15:16]. Furthermore, none of us can see into the future and the dangers and difficulties it may bring.

So then back to today’s Gospel reading: “Jesus got into a boat and his disciples followed him.” “Discipleship” essentially means following Jesus. Life as a disciple can be very like being in a boat in the middle of a storm: Then one needs to resort to prayer: “Lord save, us, we are lost.”

To be a responsible disciple also demands courage and a strong faith. “Where is your courage? How little faith you have!” We must indeed be ready for whatever comes, not with mere human bravado but with trust that God is with us in every storm.

Lord Jesus, when the storms of life challenge our faith and our discipleship, grant us the courage to follow You unconditionally.