August 07, 2011
19th Sunday Ordinary Time
Jesus says to the disciples: "It is I the Lord. Be not afraid." We are apt to say: "It is only me. I am scared to death." The disciples are being tossed about in a storm and, at the 4th watch of the night before dawn, they see Jesus walking toward them on the water. Peter says if it truly you Lord bid me to come to you. "Come." Peter starts walking on the water but becoming conscious of the wind and waves, he sinks. Peter cries out: "Save me." Jesus does, calms the storm, and with Peter in hand, gets into the boat. They pay him homage. Jesus gently questions Peter: "So little faith -- why did you doubt?" We should ask ourselves the same question when we are lacking in faith and giving into doubt. What is at work in us. Like the disciples we are often overcome by fear. Fear blinds us to opportunities, numbs us and even exaggerates our response in crisis. Jesus has "confidence" in his disciples, even Peter, who falls short. Jesus, the Risen Lord, has confidence in us to continue his mission. Whenever "the watch" especially in troubled times may we see Jesus hidden in the midst and darkness before dawn. May we hear his voice in the silence of our hearts: "It is I the Lord. Be not afraid."
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18th Sunday Ordinary Time
