Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.
“Looking Ahead” is a reflection on the Sunday readings, for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, by Father Perry.
By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor
Today we hear of storms and angry seas. We sing out in thanks in the responsorial psalm about God’s everlasting love that saves us from the billowing waves, and the treacherous waters stirred up by storms and the storms of life.
But Jesus shows he is powerful, even over the laws of nature: He walks on water; he shares the power with Peter who first believed, then sinks into doubt and fear.
Such strong emotions and responses reveal simple truth to us. We simply must believe that this Gospel is clearly for us and about us. We must recognize that like Peter, we have been invited to “walk on water”; and to face our fears, not deny them, but admit them and seek the grace and power that God promises and shares with those who believe.
In the second reading, we are called to recognize that we are a “new creation,” and the “old order” has passed away – something new has happened in us and to us.
+ Peter “walked on the water” because he was invited to do so. He sought it, yes; but it was also granted to him. “Walking on water” is not to prove something or do something just to do it. Walking on water is to overcome the depths and the drowning that many succumb to because they fall prey to their fears.
No shame in fearing if we “get through it”, “deal with it”, and “move on.”
+ Let us celebrate the grace and power of God’s gracious love, trusting that it is truly one thing that can make a difference — the difference.
Quote of the week |
“Fear does not stop death, it stops life.” — Anonymous.
