From the Pastor

WEEKLY MESSAGE FROM FATHER MIKE…

After Jesus fed the crowd with the loaves and fish, the disciples got into a boat and headed for the other side of the lake. During the night, a violent storm arose, and the Apostles became frightened. At first, this seems a little odd. Many of them were experienced fishermen who had undoubtedly weathered countless storms on the Sea of Galilee.

But it wasn't the storm that truly terrified them.

It was seeing Jesus walking toward them on the water.

Knowing their fear, Jesus challenged Peter to step out of the boat and come to Him. Trusting in the Lord, Peter climbed over the side and actually began to walk on the water. His faith got him out of the boat.

Then he took his eyes off Jesus.

As Peter focused on the wind and the waves, fear overwhelmed his faith, and he began to sink. Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand, caught him, and said, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Peter is an image of every one of us.

There are moments when faith gives us the courage to step out of our comfort zone and follow the Lord. But there are also times when fear, anxiety, disappointment, or sin cause us to take our eyes off Jesus. Like Peter, we begin to sink.

The good news is that Jesus never stopped believing in Peter. Even after Peter denied Him three times, Jesus forgave him, entrusted him with the care of His Church, and made him the Rock upon which the Church would be built.

Jesus had a plan for Peter.

And Jesus has a plan for you.

Whatever God is calling you to do, don't let fear keep you in the boat. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ. If you begin to fall, remember that His hand is already reaching out to lift you up.