Calming the Turbulent Waters

Saint Peter was far from perfect. In fact, the Gospels recount the many times he failed, especially when Jesus was condemned. Because of his numerous shortcomings, we may find it easier to relate to Saint Peter, for we have all failed Jesus in one way or another. Despite his weaknesses, Saint Peter is someone whose love and faith we should emulate.

In today’s Gospel, we see Saint Peter taking Jesus’s invitation to follow Him very seriously. He even steps out of the boat in the midst of a raging storm to follow Jesus across the turbulent waters.

Yet, no one knew the dangers of the sea better than Saint Peter. He had spent most of his life working as a fisherman. And despite this, Saint Peter stepped out of the boat to follow Jesus. It was a bold—and perhaps somewhat reckless—act. But we cannot say he did not know what he was doing. Although Saint Peter’s faith eventually faltered, Jesus was surely proud of his courage.

The question for us today is: what storms do we find ourselves in, and where is Jesus calling us to step out of the relative safety of our boats to follow Him?

One of the storms we face as a society is the deep division that exists among us. We share very few values ​​that unite us or give us a sense of common identity and purpose. Worse still, it is becoming increasingly impossible for us to speak to one another. It seems all we do is hurl insults and question each other’s intentions.

In response, most people isolate themselves, choosing to associate only with those who share their own views.

Could Jesus be calling us to step out of our little boats and face the waves of people who are different from us? Can we lower our guard enough to try to listen to and understand others?

It is a bold—and perhaps even reckless—step. But it could contribute enormously to helping Jesus calm the turbulent waters we are experiencing in our country and the world.

Another storm we are weathering as a society is the economic situation. Many people are trapped in cycles of poverty. No matter how hard they work, they only accumulate more debt. Consequently, their children cannot receive the education needed to get ahead. It is easy to blame the poor for their own situation. Sometimes, addiction and family breakdown play a role in their poverty; however, many are simply trapped in a cycle of economic forces beyond their control.

How is Jesus calling us to step out of the small boat of our comfortable, middle-class suburban lifestyle to serve those in need?

It might simply mean stopping to talk to someone begging on the street. Having someone acknowledge their humanity and treat them with compassion is likely worth more than any spare change we might offer. Volunteering at the Loretto House—our local food pantry—or at a homeless shelter requires a sacrifice of time that can be more difficult than a financial sacrifice. Yet, this brings us into contact with people we might otherwise avoid. And we may well encounter Jesus amidst the turbulent lives of the less fortunate.

These are just two examples of how we can step out into the storm to follow Jesus. You can likely think of other instances based on your own life or the world around you. Any situation that currently causes you discomfort or anxiety is, in all likelihood, the stormy sea into which God is inviting you to step.

Jesus has power over the storm. No matter how loud the wind howls or how high the waves rise, He promises to keep us safe. All He asks of us is the faith and courage to take that step and follow Him into the turbulent waters, just as Saint Peter did. If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we will be capable of anything, and our lives—especially our own—will be transformed.

May the Lord always give you his peace.

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor
Mission San Luis Rey Parish