Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Finally a day without rain which permitted an early morning walk by the sea and the opportunity to reflect on today's liturgy. The sea was very calm this morning but the Gospel challenges us to see how we react when the storms of life threaten to submerge us. The words of Jesus to Peter: "Courage, it is I, do not be afraid" is the invitation for us also to trust and keep our eyes firmly focused on Him. It is when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink. We are the same, when our gaze, our focus is away from Jesus, we drown in our own confidence, securities and bravado.  Our faith grows when we take the next step...Peter had to physically get out of the boat and take a step! Whilst we may never 'walk on water', we are asked each day to take a step forward. Peter's courage to take that leap of faith led to the others in the boat making the act of faith: "Truly, you (Jesus) are the Son of God." The witness of others helps us grow in our faith. However, first of all, we have to still our minds, hearts, will to hear that invitation. As we see in the First Reading, Elijah is listening for the Lord's voice...he listens for it in the chaos (the mighty wind, the earthquake etc...) only when the gentle breeze came did he hear it. For Peter, he had to still his soul to hear 'the gentle breeze' of Jesus which a firm and decisive voice.  Waves, wind, fire and earthquake all demand attention; whispering sounds taken an intentional act of listening (First Reading). Today, may you hear the voice of God inside of you and around you and remember it's not always those who 'shout' the loudest who have something of interest worth hearing!