I always find it so amazing that the Holy Spirit provides words of encouragement at just the right time for me. I must admit that with this latest COVID surge, the chaos of vaccine vs no vaccine, mask vs no mask, Church in scandal again, economic worries, sickness in family, I’ve been discouraged and in fear. But, thanks to the gift of grace from Christ and nudging of Holy Spirit, I do my best to pray the morning office and get to daily Mass. And while today’s Gospel is likely very familiar, it’s timing was much needed. Perhaps good for others to read as well. Peter always resonates with me. I love how he initially responds to walk on water to Jesus but the second he takes his eyes off of Christ he sinks. This is exactly what I tend to do… when my eyes and heart are fixed on Jesus, I’m fine, but the minute I become distracted by the “storms” of life and take my eyes off of Jesus, I too sink. My faith is not what I’d like it to be. But, thankfully because of His great love for me, Jesus immediately reaches his arm out and rescues me. I need to continually keep this in mind. Prayers. Mathew 14:22- Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.
...But, thankfully because of His great love for me, Jesus immediately reaches his arm out and rescues me. I need to continually keep this in mind. Prayers. miker, This final point of yours is the most important of all! Safe in the Sacred Heart!
