Reflection on the Gospel – Tuesday, July 1, 2025

He was asleep… while the wind roared, the waves crashed into the boat, and the disciples shouted—either to hear each other or simply out of fear. It’s a powerful image, one that reflects what the world and the Church itself have often gone through throughout history.

Right now, in this very moment, we’re in the middle of a storm, with crises in every area, both inside and outside the Church. Even though traditional media and new platforms on social networks often spread falsehoods, half-truths, or simply hide the facts, the impression is that violence, lies, conflict, division, corruption, moral collapse, and a kind of numbness or confusion reign everywhere. Peace talks seem like dead ends. Hatred between peoples remains—and even grows. Against the Church too. And even within the Church itself.

I can imagine Peter and the others shocked and frustrated at the first words of the Master. Maybe they wanted to yell: What do you mean, “Why are you afraid?” Can’t you see what’s going on?! But they stay silent because Jesus ends His words with a rebuke: men of little faith.

Immediately the waters grow calm, and awe takes over as they witness the incredible power of a man whom even the elements obey.

Miracles still happen in the world: acts of heroism, healings, conversions, miraculous rescues, good overcoming evil, forgiveness, repentance… This isn’t a worse time than many other times in history. And we’re not much different from those disciples.

We must not be afraid if we remain in faith. Faith, as the catechism says, is to believe in what we cannot see. We don’t yet see the full victory of goodness, truth, and beauty. But we sense it—and sometimes we even experience it.

While we wait for that final victory, let’s offer our faith and our actions. Let’s be builders of peace in our daily lives—in our homes, families, and neighborhoods. With those close to us, and with those far away. Let’s try harder to be faithful in prayer and to make our lives holy. This is exactly what Teresa of Jesus invites us to do when she writes: “The world is on fire.”