Sunday, August 9, 2026

Dear brothers and sisters,

While following Jesus throughout His public ministry in Galilee, the disciples often struggled to understand His teachings, recognize His divine identity, and comprehend His redemptive mission. Their weaknesses be-came painfully evident during His Passion. One disciple denied Him, another betrayed Him, and most of the others fled in fear as Jesus carried His Cross to Calvary. Yet their failures did not define them. Even when they could not fully understand their Master, they continued to trust Him. When they stumbled under the pres-sures of human authority and the temptations of the material world, they repented and renewed their faith. 

When fear drove them away, they found the courage to return and be reconciled with Him. When they lost their way, they continued to seek Him and gradually came to discover that He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Though they were imperfect men, they opened their hearts to His grace and allowed Him to trans-form them into the faithful disciples He had called them to be. 

The Gospel we hear this weekend beautifully illustrates that same journey of faith. The disciples willingly set out for the other side of the Sea of Galilee at the command of their master. By stepping into the boat, they left behind the security of the familiar and entrusted themselves to His guidance. Soon, however, a violent storm arose, the waves threatened to overwhelm the boat, confusion clouded their minds and fear weakened their hearts. Surrounded by darkness and danger, they lost sight of the One who had called them to this journey. Yet, in the midst of their fear, they cried out to Jesus for help. Their faith was small and imperfect, but it was enough to turn them toward the One who alone could save them. Jesus came to them, revealed His divine power over the wind and the sea, calmed their fears, and restored their hope. When they welcomed Him into the boat, they fell down in worship and proclaimed, “Truly, You are the Son of God.” 

The same is true in our own lives. God does not always remove the storms that we face, but He never aban-dons us in them. At times, He permits trials not to weaken our faith, but to purify it, deepen it, and teach us to surrender completely in Him. Therefore, when we experience suffering, uncertainty, failure, or fear, we are invited to do what the disciples did: call upon the Lord, place our trust in His presence, and allow Him to lead us through the storm. If we remain faithful, our fear will yield to the quiet confidence, our doubts will be re-placed by steadfast trust in God, our trembling hearts will find peace, and we too will be able to proclaim with joyful conviction, “Truly, You are the Son of God.” 

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ and Our Lady of La Vang! 

Reverend Kiet Anh Ta.