On Thursday, June 26, I was returning from a two-week visit to Europe, where I had the privilege of visiting nine countries. The trip was filled with moments of prayer, documentation, and capturing memories through photographs. You may read some of the moving moments in my Substack.
As the plane took off from Amsterdam, turbulence hit unexpectedly. For nearly 45 minutes, the plane shook, mirroring an inner turbulence that sometimes stirs in our souls. In that moment of unease, I pulled out my laptop, seeking peace in the words of Scripture. I turned to the readings for July 1, 2025, which spoke to my heart in a profound way.
The first reading from Genesis 19:15-29 recounts the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, while the Gospel from Matthew 8:23-27 describes Jesus’ calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Both passages deal with turbulence, but they also reveal a deeper truth: the chaos that comes from within and the chaos that comes from without.
Sodom and Gomorrah Reveals Much Deeper Struggle
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is often reduced to a conversation about sexual immorality, especially same-sex relations. While God’s judgment on such behavior is clear, the tragedy of this story is much deeper. It’s about a soul that has become so depraved that it no longer sees the sacred as sacred. In the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, the essence of humanity, our dignity, our call to love, and to honor one another, gets lost. The soul becomes consumed by self-gratification.
Sex, once a sacred bond, becomes an end in itself. And everything else, including the moral law, spiritual trust, and divine order, falls by the wayside. In such a state, the human mind elevates its own desires above the will of God. It’s a world where emotions, not truth, guide our decisions, and God becomes secondary to our ever-changing appetites. This moral decay leads to chaos, and in the end, disaster.
Consequences of Sexual Revolution
Augustine’s Confessions captures the turmoil of a mind consumed by sensual desires, torn between what is right and what is momentarily gratifying. Dante’s Divine Comedy depicts souls lost in turmoil, driven by passions that destroy their peace.
Today, we see the effects of this unchecked desire around us. We feel the impact of the 20th century sexual revolution. Intimacy, once sacred, has been distorted, and what was once beautiful has become bizarre in its excess. The so-called freak-party is a case in point.
This inner storm of immorality is reflected in the external storm in the Gospel of Matthew. The disciples, caught in a violent storm, cry out in fear. They did not understand that Jesus was with them in the storm. The turbulence on the sea mirrors their inner uncertainty and their lack of trust in the One who holds the power to calm both the wind and their hearts.
It is only through faith, a trust that transcends fear and our weakness, that we can find peace. Jesus’ question to the disciples, echoes in my heart as the plane sways. “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”
Confident Trust Anchors Us
True faith anchors us to listen to the Word. It is the Word of God that dictates the plan for our saving grace. The Word calms the storm within, and divine grace gives us the strength to endure the storms of life. Amid turbulence, it is not our ability to control the storm that matters. It is our willingness to trust in the One who can.
As I reflect on these readings; I hear God calling me to revisit my own faith and trust in his providence. No matter what challenges lie ahead, with God, we will overcome.
God’s VIPS
This week, our GVM team will be in Nigeria, bringing hope to those who face the storm of poverty every day. We are feeding five thousand people, not just providing food, but being advocates for their reclaiming their dignity. The poorest of the poor, those society often forgets, are God’s VIPs, and they deserve the very best we can offer.
The “God’s VIPs” event is more than just a feeding program. It is a declaration that these people, though often forgotten ignored, are deeply cherished by God. Our mission is to provide not only physical nourishment but also spiritual affirmation. We want them to know that God sees, values, and loves them.
As we embark on this mission, I ask for your prayers. Pray for the safety of our team, for purity of heart and intention, and for the strength to continue fighting the storm of poverty and lack of trust in God. With God, we will calm the storm, one act of kindness at a time. Amen.
[Readings: Genesis 19:15-29; Matthew 8:23-27]
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May God of your heart in whose glory you labour day and night continue to infuse your being and bless you with His grace, by His grace and for His grace. Thank you for this purposeful message.
God be with you all
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