Sunday, August 9, 2020 - Nineteeth Sunday in Ordinary Time
August8,2020
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Indeed, we have much to learn from the life of Saint Peter. Of all the apostles, Peter seems the most complex and thus the most human. In him, we see our weak, vulnerable, sometimes proud and foolish, human condition. Yet Jesus works with Peter to give him the graces needed to become a faithful apostle and the “Rock” upon which the Church is built. What happened then continues to happen in our day and age.
The encounter between Jesus and Peter in the fourteenth chapter of St. Matthew’s gospel demonstrates that the events of life or of the world can appear beyond anything we can do to deal with them. Clearly, we are not in charge; we are not in control. The “storms” that can sweep us away physically, morally, and spiritually frighten us and seem from time to time to have the upper hand. Currently, we are in the midst of such a storm. What are we to do? We are tempted to be like Peter and the apostles in the boat who think all is lost and that the darkness is more powerful. Many have this view even toward the Church Christ founded. The opposite is the truth. The problems we face are a call to greater faith. Only God, the almighty, can provide what we need. Why do we wish to go it alone with our limitations? Should we not know better after all these years? We should know better, but we do not.
St. Peter’s coming to faith inspires us. At first, he is an independent, self-sufficient person. With love, Jesus shows him that he needs to depend on God in all things. Peter resists. Little by little, he lets go and trusts the Lord. “Lord save me!” Peter cries out from the depths of his soul. Now Peter is ready to receive what God has to offer. He has begun to let go of his pride and humbly walk with the Lord. With the others, he proclaims: “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
We are called to follow St. Peter in the ways of faith. Our sins get in the way, especially our pride. Jesus is patient and ready to receive our humble trust in Him. There we find our true home, a place of peace. Only the Lord can calm all storms.