I Kings 19, 9-13; Psalm 85; Romans 9, 1-5; Matthew 14, 22-33
By +Guy Sansaricq
The Gospel today narrates the scene of Jesus reaching out to the Apostles who were in their fishing boat being tossed about by the raging winds of the Galilean sea. So Jesus appears to be walking on the sea. At his sight, Peter jumps off the boat, walks on water hasting to hold Jesus hand. Yet, he soon turned his sight away from Jesus as he became frightened by the huge stormy waves beating on him. At once he began to sink. So in distress he screamed out “LORD, SAVE ME.” Jesus immediately grabbed his hands pulling him outof the raging waters saying “Why were you afraid, o man of little faith?” After this, Jesus stepped into the boat and the winds died down.
The short story illustrates the value of faith in the tumultuous events of life as well as the victorious power of FAITH over seemingly uncontrollable circumstances. FAITH achieves incredible feat!
We walk on water every day when faith empowers us to remain virtuous amidst the mockeries of a secular society. FAITH is a gift of God obtained through prayer. Like Peter let’s say, “Lord, save me from confusion, hatred, prejudice and self-centeredness. Save me from the lure of senseless, harmful and futile attachments.” FAITH defeats fear, boosts with fresh energy. It provides new birth!
Jesus, still sitting in Peter’s bark that is the CHURCH continues to offer to a DISTURBED WORLD THE CALM, PEACE AND DIRECTION HE alone CAN GIVE. With HIM on board we can do great things. He is calling you today to step into his ship and win victory over the threatening storms of life!