The Apostle Peter is truly an interesting character; mainly because he’s a man of many contradictions. In the scriptures he’s painted as being impulsive, but slow to comprehend; trusting, but also prone to doubts; a man of peace, yet quick-tempered; he has conviction and courage, but is often fearful. On the one hand he promises never to abandon his Master and then on the other, denies even knowing Him. In other words, Peter is really a caricature of each of us. We can relate to his constantly wavering, teetering faith, because we do it also.
In today’s gospel, Peter certainly had the resolve to get out of the boat and attempt to walk upon water, but when his eyes fixated on the storm-tossed seas instead of Christ, his courage sank along with his body. His fears totally overwhelmed his faith.
We, too, suffer when fear supplants our faith, but so does the Church. For when we cower during tempestuous storms and uncomfortable situations which go against prescribed Christian principles, morals, values and teachings, we begin to “sink” and bring down the Church along with us, for the Church is only as strong as its weakest link.
So learn from Peter’s mistake and remain focused upon the Lord for your own good and the betterment of Christ’s Holy Church; rising to the occasion instead of floundering with a weak faith.
Fr. John
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