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If you drive a car you have probably become an expert in identifying the telltale signs of distracted drivers: unexpected changes in speed, drifting outside of the lanes, not anticipating what's happening ahead. When drivers are on the phone or texting, they lose focus and begin risking their safety and the safety of others. Our Gospel today is not about distracted drivers, but it is about distracted believers! We are told that Peter and the disciples were in their boat one evening. The wind and waves began tossing their boat around and they became frightened. Suddenly, they saw a figure. At first, they did not recognize that it was Jesus walking toward them on the water; they thought it was a ghost, which frightened them even more. Peter was afraid but he felt strong. He told Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus did so, and Peter left the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But once he was out of the boat, he saw how strong the wind was, and he became frightened. He took his eyes off Jesus and his faith began to waiver. Beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord save me.” It was the wavering of his faith that caused Peter to begin to sink. But it was then that Jesus reached out his hand, caught Peter, and brought him back to safety. Jesus is here to help us negotiate the troubles of our lives. If we can keep our eyes on Him, we can handle whatever life throws our way... we can walk on water. But if we allow ourselves to focus on the storms in our life and become distracted by the events that scare us, it's then that we panic, and we grasp, and clutch, and begin to sink. If during those difficult times we can stretch out our hand to Him, we will find that His hand is already outstretched, ready and eager to pull us back to safety. Jesus is there for us, even in the midst of a storm. So, what are the things that distract us, what are the things that cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus? Is it money.... power.... addictions.... anger.... unfaithfulness.... unwillingness to forgive others.... unwillingness to forgive ourselves? You fill in the blank. When we are focused on Jesus, we can stretch out our hand knowing that his hand is already there to keep us from sinking into the raging waters. As strong as those forces are, remember that if we avoid distractions and listen closely, we will hear God speak to us, inspire us, and help us to make good decisions which will lead us to peace. God bless you. Deacon Anthony Cioe