“At once Jesus spoke to them, “‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’” — MT 14:27

 

A lot has gone on in the last few weeks of St Matthew’s account of the Good News of Jesus Christ.  We have heard illustrative stories, with moral lessons, parables, about the Kingdom of Heaven.  Then yesterday, we were shown, by actions, what it means to take a little of what we have been blessed with from God and multiply them to the benefit of others.  Today we now hear how the Apostles are sent on their own to the other side of the lake to an area of pagans and wait for Jesus to join them.  For His part, Jesus goes to be alone and be with His Father in prayer.  

Here is a dramatic revelation of how God cares for us in difficult situations. Jesus spends time praying alone, and surely, He includes each of us by name. He knows where we are, what is happening to us, and when we need help. So, Jesus comes close and speaks to each of us: “‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid’.” Can we hear Him in the roaring of the wind or are we fixated by the waves breaking over our little boat?  The little boat and those in it are the symbols of our Faith Community.  The winds and the waves represent what we go through in life, the highs and the lows, accomplishments and disasters.  We have a lot of things impeding the mission Jesus has given us.  Whether it is our health, the lives of our children, financial stress, peer pressure, the lack of politicians working for the common good or a pandemic. Three things make the winds seem stronger and the volume of water greater, our lack of Faith, Hope and Love through, with, and in Jesus.

Only in Matthew’s account of this story do we have Peter’s reaction. “Lord, if it really is you, tell me to come to you across the water.” “Come!” Jesus says. Peter gets out of the boat and goes towards Jesus. – MT 14: 28-29 It is an act of Faith, Hope and Love. But not quite enough of any of them, together or separate. Our whole life on earth is to prepare and grow stronger in these Theological Virtues, the Grace from God given at Baptism.  The power of the wind and waves gets stronger than Peter’s or our own desire to be with Jesus. Peter begins to sink. “Lord, save me!” Jesus lifts him up, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” – MT 14: 30-31 What happens to Peter, happens to each of us.  In life, when we lose sight of Jesus in what we are doing, then we too will sink. Maybe not much at first, giving us a false sense of control.  However, it will happen.  Jesus, for His part, is waiting patiently for us to call out to Him.  Jesus wants to show us He is always there to help restore calm in our life.  Why do we continue to allow ourselves to sink during challenges in our life, rather than stay strong knowing that Jesus is right there with us?  With all that has been revealed to us regarding our Faith, what we know about the Love God has for us, what keeps us from understanding how to stay strong?

Is it a strong confidence in ourselves? A feeling, or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from our own self-achievements that we believe others admire?  In other words, pride.  In the Bible, pride does not mean simple arrogance.  Instead it means preferring self-will to God’s Will.  The opposite of pride in Sacred Scripture is following THE WAY OF JESUS to God.  This is arguably the most important message of the Bible.  However, for some reason, we always fail to heed it .  If this is the case, then we need to persevere in prayer.  Remaining with God and learning from Jesus, to enjoy His Father’s presence in quiet prayer.

"Lord Jesus, I believe You want me to have faith in You, faith that hearkens to Your Words without any second guessing.  I hope in Your Words, not relying solely on my own strength or reasoning.  I Love You.  You continue to astonish me by showing me that Your Ways are not my ways.”

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!

 

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi

Houston, TX