In Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew tells us the story of the Apostles, alone, in the boat during a storm. The winds and waves become very strong and frightening. Jesus came to them, walking on the water. Even more frightened, they thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus called out to them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” Peter responds, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus replied, “Come.” Peter, jumping out of the boat, began to walk on the water towards Jesus. Suddenly, he realized what he was doing, he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink. But, Jesus, immediately reached out and rescued him, responding, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Peter had looked away, realizing what he was doing and becoming aware of the intensity of the winds and waves, he forgot who had called him forth. He thought that he had to do it on his own power and of course began to sink! Peter got caught up by his circumstances and lost His focus. How often do we do the very same thing?! We are good Catholic Christians, but something comes along that shakes our faith, our hope, or our trust…and we lose sight of the One who is calling us forth and leading us. How easily and quickly we take our eyes off of Jesus and look at our circumstances, forgetting Who is in charge of every moment of our lives. I know it happens to me a lot and I start to lose my hope and begin to sink. I forget Who has called me forth.

There is a scene in the movie, The Shack, where the main character, Mack, is in a similar situation as Peter. As long as he looks at his life’s problems and worries about his circumstances, his boat begins to sink. But Jesus keeps saying to him, “Look at Me, Mack, it’s going to be okay…Look at Me.” When Mack finally looks up at Jesus, the waters smooth out and his boat is fine. If Mack looks away again, the waters become overwhelming again and overflow his boat. When Mack looks back at Jesus and holds his attention on Jesus, he and his boat are safe. The lesson here is very simple, but at the same time, a real challenge for many of us. Keep our eyes on Jesus.

So many of us are expert worriers! We have PhDs in worrying! Letting go and letting God care for us just doesn’t seem to be a part of our DNA. The least little issue that comes up and our “worry gene” activates…”oh no…what if this…what if that”. But, Jesus patiently waits for us to look up and call out in faith, “Lord, Lord”. When we finally do call to Him, He gives us the strength we need to face our circumstances and move forward. He isn’t going to instantaneously take away our problems, they will still be there. But, He Never Aban-dons us or leaves us. He gives us the courage, the wisdom, the compassion, the strength, the guidance…whatever it is that we need to go forward, He gives to us…as long as we Keep Our Eyes On Him! So many people have stories of times in their lives that they didn’t think they could make it through, but God gave them the strength to persevere. And the stories of people (and their families) who have survived the Covid 19 struggle only through the grace and mercy of God. Their faith, knowing that Jesus was with them, got them through their suffering–or loss. They kept their eyes on Jesus!

So, as we go through this coming week, let us Keep Our Eyes On Jesus as we deal with our problems, sufferings, losses, fears. May He not have to say to us, “O ye of little faith, why did you doubt?” Have a Blessed week and remember, All Are Welcome in the Kingdom of God. PS. If you have never seen The Shack, it’s really good and worth watching!