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August 7, 2017"Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
In the Gospel reading this week we encounter the disciples who were sent by Jesus, on the Sea of Galilee when a storm occurs. Jesus after feeding the 5,000 had gone away to pray and sent the disciples ahead of him. While the disciples were in the boat a storm occurs in the middle of the night and they start to panic. Jesus knowing of their distress walks on the water to reach them. When the disciples see Him, they think he is a ghost. To reassure them Jesus says to them "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." I think we can all imagine their fear at seeing Jesus walking on the water amidst a storm in the middle of the night! Peter on seeing the Lord gets out of the boat and starts walking towards the Lord. All is well until Peter lets his fears and doubts take hold of him and he cries out and begins to sink. Jesus saves Peter and together they enter the boat and the storm is calmed. With faith Jesus can calm our storms of our lives.
Like the disciples we all encounter storms in our lives. We all experience pain, hurt and loss. Jesus’ message to us is the same as to the disciples “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” Amidst our own storms, suffering, loss and pain Jesus is calling us to step out in faith! To ask for His help when we are experiencing the storms in our lives. Jesus call us to have faith and also instructs us that in faith we all can do amazing things if we just trust in the Lord. In this Gospel Jesus gives us a powerful example of touching others in faith. We are not only instructed to be not afraid Jesus also models for us how to reach out to others amidst the storms in their lives. Just as Jesus saves Peter, God has given us the power to help others, to reach out and literally help save those around us who may be drowning in grieve, sadness and loss. As with the disciples Jesus sends us forth before him. We wants us to spread His Word and help those around us using the gifts He has given us. Jesus knows that we all will encounter storms on our own journey, but we have the assurance that as with Peter, Jesus will be with us to reach out to us in our time of need. Let us pray for the strength to increase our faith and hear the Lord who calls to us, who asks us to respond by reaching out in faith to others who may be struggling in a storm.
