Walking on Water

Dearest Ones,

We've all heard the story in Matthew's gospel of the disciples in a small boat caught in a storm at sea. An amazing thing happened when Jesus called Peter to step out of the boat and come to Him across the water - which Peter did, until ...he felt the wind, lost his focus on Jesus, became afraid, and started to sink.

Sooner or later, we will all be faced with a sudden and violent "storm" in our life. And sometimes that's exactly what it takes to walk on water...a storm. Storms come up in all kinds of weather, when the doctor says a lump has been found...a storm comes up. When a spouse says, "I just don't think I love you anymore".... a storm comes up. When you get a notice informing you that cutbacks are coming...a storm comes up. When you get a call from the school saying there's a problem with your daughter, or a call from the police saying your son has been arrested...a storm comes up. Then you begin to notice that your aging parents can no longer drive or live on their own...a storm comes up. Then it seems that the only time members of your family talk to one another is when they're arguing...a storm comes up. There are all kinds of storms that come into our lives, and when they do, like Peter, we are called to walk on water.

The problem, of course, is that people can't walk on water. We want to step out of the boat; we want to be able to master the storms that come our way; but sometimes the challenge overwhelms us and we begin to sink. Or, like Peter, we do OK at the beginning, but our fears overwhelm us and we begin to sink. The challenge in becoming a "water walker" is to conquer your fears.

Storms can bring us closer to God because they make us depend on Him instead of being in control ourselves. I remember well when I was a child and a major storm came up, our family all went to a cave near the house, where vegetables were kept. My mother held a blessed candle and we prayed the Rosary. We were afraid and depended on God to save us. I felt His arms around us. I was safe there - I've never forgotten it. God was in charge.

Even before we say the words of a prayer, God is right there, ready to answer. He knows what's in our mind and He's ready to help before we even ask. It's like a little child crying, "Mummy, Mummy," and the Mother is right there running to bring comfort to her child. That's the way Our heavenly Father is with us.

Do you know what is the most common command in the Bible? You might think it is "Love your neighbor," but that's not it. The most common command is "Fear not." Don't be afraid. If you try to have a safe, comfortable existence, you will have no life at all. Life is often scary, but don't let fear rule your life.

We all want a safe life and then things start falling apart. We want a life that's not falling apart. Life is either a surprise or it's nothing. The problem is dealing with surprises. We all want a nice safe world that we can manage. There is no such thing as security in this life. We will never have a life that is under our control. We will always be surrounded by problems and loose cannons on the deck. Jesus says we are to enjoy life. Enjoy the fact the He is there with you and don't be afraid. If we try to plan a controlled, safe world, we're going to be disappointed.

There will be times when the storm is just too much; when the wind and waves will overwhelm you; when, try as you might, you will fail to walk on the water. There will be times when the best you can do is to just hold on to the sides of the boat for dear life.

But don't be afraid. Know that God is with you and that your life - storms and all - is what God has given you. When the waves begin to crash and the wind roars and you begin to sink, keep the door open to God. He is near and will hold you up.

With all my love and prayers,

Sister Francelle