By Fr. Andrew Kelly
NINETEENTH SUNDAY ORDINAL TIME – AUGUST 10, 2014
In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus reprimands Peter (Matthew 14:22-33): “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” As long as Peter had total confidence in Jesus, Peter could walk over raging waves. But when the “little faith” took over, Peter lost confidence, became hesitant and began to panic.
Jesus’ walking on the raging waves is also a reminder: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” When Peter remembers this, great faith and confidence return — manifested in Peter’s prayer: “Lord, save me!” This is the moment Jesus saves Peter.
Believers are so much like Peter. When times are good it is easy to believe in the Lord’s presence. But when the storms of life and the raging waves of disbelief begin to take hold, Peter’s “little faith” easily becomes manifest in the loss of confidence, hesitancy and panic that grabs hold of believers’ souls.
In the very eye and heart of the storm Jesus’ voice reminds believers: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” When this is remembered, believers begin to pray with Peter: “Lord, save me!” The Lord extends the Lord’s hand. Believers’ souls are filled with calmness and confidence, even as the storms continues to rage.
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)
