Do Not Give Up

Reflection Date: August 03, 2026 | Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Jeremiah 28:1-17; Matthew 14:22-36

Children of God:
After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese fled their homeland by sea in small and overcrowded boats. 

These refugees became known as the "boat people." 

Many faced violent storms, hunger, pirates, and the constant danger of drowning before reaching safety. 

Numerous Christian organizations responded with compassion by rescuing, sheltering, and assisting these desperate families. 

The Philippines became one of the countries that welcomed many Vietnamese refugees through the Philippine Refugee Processing Center in Palawan. 

Among those who faithfully served them were the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, who provided social services, education, counseling, and legal assistance as the refugees prepared for resettlement in different countries. 

With support from the Catholic Church, the sisters helped sustain a safe, semi-integrated community in Barangay Santa Lourdes, Puerto Princesa. 

The village included a Catholic chapel, a Buddhist pagoda, and the famous Viet Ville restaurant, which continues to operate today. 

The Palawan refugee center became a unique, open-style camp where Vietnamese culture flourished, aided by the compassionate humanitarian work of the Daughters of Charity. 

Eventually, many refugees eventually resettled in different parts of the world, like the U.S. and Australia, while some formed permanent families with locals in Palawan.

In the gospel story of Matthew, the disciples also found themselves struggling against dangerous waves until Jesus came to them across the sea and calmed their fears.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, we must keep our eyes on Jesus.

When Jesus walked on the water, he invited Peter to come.

Peter responded with faith and stepped out of the boat. 

As long as he fixed his eyes on Jesus, he walked upon the water. 

But when he focused on the strength of the wind, fear entered his heart, and he began to sink. 

His experience reminds us that fear grows whenever we allow our problems to become greater than our trust in God.

Life also presents storms that seem overwhelming. Illness, financial burdens, family conflicts, disappointments, and uncertainty can shake our confidence. 

Yet Christ continues to approach us, inviting us to trust Him even when the waves remain high.

We must keep our eyes on Jesus.

Second, God often sends His help through compassionate people.

When Vietnamese refugees crossed dangerous seas, many survived because compassionate individuals and Christian organizations reached out to them. 

For one, the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul became instruments of God's providence by offering practical assistance, comfort, and hope to people whose lives had been shattered. 

Their loving service reflected the compassion of Christ.

God continues to work through ordinary people today. 

He strengthens the discouraged through encouraging friends, comforts the grieving through caring families, heals the sick through dedicated medical workers, and supports the needy through generous neighbors. 

Divine help often arrives through human hands filled with love.

God often sends His help through compassionate people.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: What storm am I facing today that I need to entrust more fully to Jesus? 

Do I focus more on my fears than on God's presence? How can I become an instrument of hope for someone who is experiencing difficult times?

Children of God: 
Jesus came to His frightened disciples at the very moment they felt most helpless. 

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ instead of allowing fear to control our hearts. 

Let us also become signs of hope for those who are struggling around us. 

Then, even amid life's wildest storms, we will discover that the Lord is always near, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."