In today's Gospel, Matthew 14: 22-36, Jesus, while dismissing the crowd, sends the disciples to the other side of the sea ahead of him. Once the crowd is dismissed, Jesus goes up to the mountain to pray by Himself. The disciples are a couple of miles out on the sea and are being tossed around by a strong storm. "During the fourth watch of the night, [Jesus] came toward them, walking on the sea." They are scared out of their wits, thinking a ghost is approaching them on this stormy sea. "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter yells back at the ghostly figure and says: "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." "Come," Jesus responds to Peter. And Peter steps out of the boat onto the rough waters. Realizing what the heck he is doing, Peter becomes fearful, takes his eyes off of Jesus and begins to sink. "Lord, save me." And immediately, Jesus stretches out His hand and pulls Peter up drowning.
"Lord, save me," is a prayer all of us, no doubt, say often! We may drowning, so to speak, in grief, in financial or relationship problems, in episodes with our children that we could never dream of, in facing illnesses--mental or physical--that baffle us and fill us with fear! "Lord, where are you?" we ask! "Be not afraid," the Lord says to us. I am right here with you. Together we will face these storms flooding your life. You are not alone. I never abandon you. No matter how rough things become, keep your focus on me. Be not like Peter and focus on turbulent "sea." With your focus on me, you will make it, because I am the God of life, not of death. I am the God of hope, not despair. I am the God of power, not despair. When you are too tired, too weak, to walk, I will carry you. Trust Me.
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