Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Monday of the 18th week in ordinary time, August 3, 2026

Delivered by Elyanne from the Parish of Saint James in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. Jeremiah 28: 1-17; Rs psalm 119: 29.43.79.80.95.102; Matthew 14: 22-36.GOD IS TO BE FEARED OF, NOT GHOSTS The theme for our meditation today is: God is to be Fearedof, not Ghost. During a time of economic hardship due to a long dry season, afarmer and his family prayed in these words: "O Lord, do not let us gohungry or thirsty." This prayer was shared on a WhatsApp group in the localparish community, and soon many farmers and their families were saying the sameprayer. God heard their prayers, and it seemed that even during this difficulttime, the farmers did not run out of food from their fields.  In the Old Testament of the Holy Scriptures, it is saidhow God's people who wandered in the desert often experienced hunger becausefood was not enough. Therefore, God provided them manna and meat, even though itwas not enough to satisfy them. They still complained and protested becauselife as a wanderer in the desert was full with difficulties and sufferings. Jesus Christ fell pity over many people who followedand heard Him along the way of His public ministry. He was so moved with pity forall those who were experiencing difficulties, not only those who were hungryand thirsty, but all the problems both physical and spiritual of people of Histime. One of those problems which was spiritual in nature is fear. This fearmust be overcome with a life of peace, calmness and trust in God as well as inourselves as believers. In general, people become worried, doubtful, afraid,and distrustful when trials and difficulties come upon them. In today's Gospel,we are told that the apostles were in a boat and they were so disturbed bystrong winds and violent waves. In such difficult circumstance the Lord came tohelp them. They became afraid because they thought that it was a ghost. Inanother occasion, the people of Israel who had lived for a long time in exile,were visited by a shocking news that caused fear, namely their freedom and thepossibility to return to their homeland. A man's fear of God is a sign that he has a truefaith. God always comes to our favors and He certainly saves us. Therefore,this fear is useful to help us prepare ourselves as best as we can, so that Hefinds us in a state of true faith, we are prepared to welcome Him, and we areactive in our daily undertakings. Such fear is very contrary to the type offear towards others who are not God such as ghosts, demons, and other subjectsthat only intend to disturb and tempt us. For us Christian and our journey ofsalvation, we must fear God, not ghosts. God is with us to help us, whereasghosts do not. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... In Your love and mercy, O Father, we wishto put all our needs, especially today, so that we can receive Your blessingsthroughout this day. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit... In the name of the Father ...