19th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Keeping Our Eyes on Christ

Today’s Gospel places the disciples in a boat at night, far from shore, struggling against a violent wind. They are  exactly where Jesus told them to go, yet they still encounter a storm. This is an important lesson for each of us; obedience to Christ does not 
guarantee an easy journey. Faith does not remove every hardship, illness, or disappointment.   Sometimes the waves rise precisely while we are trying to follow the Lord faithfully.

Before Jesus comes to the disciples, Matthew tells us that he goes up the mountain alone to pray. In our own storms, prayer may seem powerless, but it opens our hearts to recognize the Lord who is already coming toward us. At first, the disciples mistake Jesus for a ghost because fear distorts their vision. How often do anxiety, grief, resentment, or exhaustion prevent us from seeing God clearly? Yet Jesus speaks before the storm is calmed: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter’s response is both courageous and fragile. At Jesus’ command, he steps out of the boat and actually walks upon the water. But when he shifts his attention from Christ to the wind, he begins to sink. His cry, “Lord, save me!” is one of Scripture’s simplest and most honest prayers. Immediately, Jesus stretches out his hand. The Lord’s correction follows his rescue, not the other way around. Mercy comes first.

This scene also offers a beautiful image of the Church. The boat is battered, the disciples are  frightened, and Peter is imperfect; nevertheless, Christ does not abandon them. He enters the boat, calms the wind, and leads the disciples to worship: “Truly, you are the Son of God.” We meet this same saving Lord in the Church’s prayer and especially in the Eucharist. At Mass, Christ comes into the frailty of our common boat, speaks his word, gives us his very self, and strengthens us for the crossing.

This week, ask yourself, “What wind has captured my attention? Where is Jesus inviting me to trust him?” Faith is not pretending that the storm is small. It is choosing to believe that Christ is greater. When courage fails, we need not manufacture heroic confidence. We can simply call upon him: “Lord, save me.” His hand is nearer than we think.

I recently saw this prayer that I believe will help keep the message of this Gospel in your daily lives:

    Lord Jesus, when the winds are against me and fear clouds my vision,

   help me to recognize your presence. Keep my eyes fixed on you. When

   I begin to sink, take me by the hand, strengthen my faith, and bring me
   safely into the peace of your presence. Amen.

Deacon Anthony Cioe

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