18th Week in Ordinary Times : Monday, 3rd August 2026

God-fearing prophets in the Old Testament called God’s people to remain obedient to God’s instructions, even in times of hardship. According to the prophet Jeremiah, this period was to be a time of purification under the rule of the king, symbolised by the wearing of a yoke. Jeremiah wore a yoke of wood, as do animals who pull heavy farming loads.

Along comes another prophet, Hananiah, who promised the people an easy way out from their suffering. He spoke to please the people. Hananiah broke Jeremiah’s wooden yoke to prove his point. Jeremiah was soon to point out that Hananiah was not sent by God. Jeremiah remained the good prophet who called God’s people to repentance and, over time, a deeper relationship with God. He spoke of falsehood that is not from God.

“Do not be afraid,” is what Jesus said to Peter at the calming of the storm. In the moment of distress, Jesus reached to rescue the drowning disciple. This is the story of living the faith in the world where we may be tossed around by various movements, especially falsehood. Some good, some bad.

Yet, God does not give up on us. God pulls us out and we rejoin our community of faith. Have I reached out to someone in stormy waters? Would I do it again for someone else? How do I behave in the face of falsehood?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, bring us out of discouragement and falsehood.