O you of little faith, why did you doubt

Deacon’s Corner

A Word from Deacon Ed

As a nation, we are about to witness a complete solar eclipse.  This means that for a period of time the moon will pass between the earth and the sun blocking out the sun’s rays.  No matter how strong our faith this will be an unnerving event.  So I believe that today’s Gospel is perfectly timed.

The Apostles, crossing the Sea of Galilee are met by a very strong storm.  The boat is being tossed about and the disciples are frightened.  Suddenly, they see an image coming towards them on the water.  Many fear it to be a ghost.  Even Peter questions the vision.  “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come”.  Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water towards 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 Peter, 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 paid Him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God”.

We are like Peter.  Through His minor chastisement to Peter, Jesus is really saying, “DON’T LOSE FAITH”.  We are daily met with challenges and problems.  Call out, “Lord, Save Me”.  Remember, the sea was turbulent and the winds strong Jesus reaches down to Peter and carries or assists him through the troubled water.  The storm does not calm until they are in the boat.  The deeper message is that when we call out, “Lord, Save Me”, the storm does not disappear immediately, but rather God carries us and grants us peace until the storm is over.

And now, the challenge!  We are all called to be Christ-like to others.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to others who, like Peter, are sinking.  We have all at one time or another experienced life’s difficulties.  And when we look back, most of the time it was the kindness of another who helped.  Reaching out does not necessarily mean giving money.  So often a kind word or gesture can lift another who has had a bad day.  Yes, sometimes it does mean digging into our pocket.  I don’t mean being foolish, but kind.  Jesus sees what is in our heart.  Let us do our kindness without a sense of fear.  And when the moon blocks the sun during the eclipse, let it be a reminder that we, as lovers and disciples of Christ, are called to be the light for those who are in darkness.

Deacon Ed