Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 15: 21-28

Jesus was in a pagan territory. He could not expect many Israelites there except his disciples along with him. He did not go to proclaim the message of the kingdom there (it seemed so). We are not sure why the author presents this story in this way. The term ‘withdrew’ suggests that he wanted to be away from his regular place of activity.

He gave an opportunity to show that even among the pagans there were people of faith. Jesus showed that faith was essential for his ministry. Place was not important and the people of particular race or group was not important for Jesus to do his ministry. Jesus expected faith in God and that was sufficient for the people to be receivers of his favours.

இஸ்ராயேல் மக்கள் அதிகம் இல்லாத பகுதிகளுக்கு இயேசு செல்லுகிறார். இடங்கள்> மக்கள் அவருடைய பணியை வெளிப்படுத்த முடியாது. நம்பிக்கை ஒன்றே அவருடைய பணிக்கு அடித்தளமாகும் என்று இப்புதுமை வழியாக இயேசு கூறுகிறார்.

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 14:22-36

Jesus was the master of the nature. He had control over the nature. Wind and water and all the rest obeyed him. He could do this at anytime of the day or night: he did at the fourth watch of the night (3 am to 6 am). That was the time of the ghosts (anything moved around was considered as ghost). That was the time of fear and terror.

The disciples and in particular Peter was under the control of nature (he had no control over nature). It was the time when man had no control even on himself. It was not the time to think and reflect and react. It was the time to shrink and go into oneself in fear and trembling. This was also because he had no faith in God. Jesus taught the disciple to have faith in god even at the fourth watch and only man of faith could have control of things.

இயேசு கடவுளிடம் ஜெபித்துவிட்டு வருகிறார். விசுவாச நிறைவில் விசுவாச வெளிபாட்டில் வரும் அவருக்கு இயற்கையும் காலமும் அடிபணிகின்றன. மனிதனை இயற்கையும் காலமும் ஆட்கொள்கின்றன. ஆகவே அவன் பயத்தில் வாழ்கின்றான். (‘நம்பிக்கை குன்றியவனே> ஏன் ஐயம் கொண்டாய்?”). நம்பிக்கை நிறைந்தவனுக்கு இயற்கையும் காலமும் அடிபணியும்.