19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Trust in Jesus
I once read a business book, Lions don’t Need to Roar, and the author discusses how to make a positive first impression and to maintain a lasting positive impression with others through everything from proper posture and proper language to proper humor, intelligent questioning and all in an effort to present an impressive professional appearance at all times. This book came back to me as I reflected upon the tremendous effort we expend on trying to live up to the perceived expectations of our brothers and sisters in every circumstance on earth.
Mothers and Fathers try to be good moms and dads and many work themselves to the point of exhaustion at home, at work, at social gatherings and in the busy schedules they maintain. Single people are equally busy and ever ready for that right other person who just might become their life partner in marriage. Our children go to camps and schedule themselves for club sports as well as school sports, social activities and school. Many priests are mindful of the needs of their parish and want to inform the people sometimes of bad news, (like a leaky roof ), in as diplomatic terms as possible. Alas, it is the human condition!!
In today’s Gospel, we find Jesus there at a time of need, (when the boat was being tossed about by the waves and winds of a storm), calmly approaching and extending his hand to offer help. I believe Peter represents the faithful, who turn to Christ mindful of their human circumstance, yet ready to trust in the Word of God delivered by Jesus. I further believe that just when deliverance from the storm seems at hand, those old worries come clamoring back into our heads causing us to doubt in complete deliverance by Jesus.
We might be troubled by considering our loved ones who are ill. We might be troubled by weather or traffic. We might be troubled by the economy either of our nation or of our personal finances. There are numerous things we might worry about. But there is an alternative. We can turn to God in whatever storm we are enduring in our lives and present our needs. We might dismiss the notion of “How we might look” to substitute it with “How I might have hope.” For us, this means to turn to Christ with our circumstances and concerns regardless of how we appear on the surface. Jesus judges our hearts and motives and responds to that construct. Perhaps after finding that our trust is well-placed
in Him,we will find not only comfort but the enduring realization that we will be judged by more than surface traits and the realization that our God walks with us and is always willing to love us if we but ask.
Fr. Mike
