The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, August 7, 2005
The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Kings 19:11-13
Psalm 85:9-14
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:22-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Why did you doubt?

The question for Peter is whether he can trust that he is seeing the Lord in the dark night and raging storm. It is the question the prayerful soul experiences in times of dark or turbulence. Like Peter, one may have difficulty distinguishing our Lord in all that distracts one from Him and pleads, “command me to come to You.”

Jesus encourages, “do not to be afraid,” extending the invitation to “come.” Peter trusts that voice, the One whom he loves. He steps out in faith and approaches his beloved Lord. The torrents around him distract Peter’s focus from His Lord that he begins to fear and lose his way. This is likewise the way one finds and loses the Lord in the storms of life.

Perhaps one might consider how remaining focused on the Lord, seeking His commands, and then coming to Him as He bids, even amidst seemingly torrential circumstances, is the way to navigate all of life. There is calm in the eyes of the Lord, and one does well to remain in Him, still, calm, sure, protected. Yes the wind, waves and darkness will envelope one making the seeing of Jesus difficult. One need only to cry out to Him to command one to Come, and He will be-love the seeking soul to Himself.

O Lord,
when the storms of life overwhelm me
and make it difficult to distinguish you,
help me to be not afraid;
command me to come to you
and then let me trust you
to bring me to yourself.
Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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