Dear Friends,
A few years ago, some friends gave me a small sculpture of Jesus walking on the water and reaching out to grab St. Peter from sinking into the sea. The waves are high, the boat is in distress, and St. Peter is halfway into the sea with his hand reaching out to grab the extended hand of Jesus. I generally keep this where I can see it as I work in my office as a reminder that Jesus is so gracious in his mercy. Often enough, I am like Peter crying out for help from the Lord for faith and guidance. Usually, it is because I have failed to listen to the plan that God has for me. However, the incredible thing is that the Lord is always ready to help us, no matter how desperate the situation may seem.
These days, we can imagine the millions of people who cry out for help to the Lord. How often have you been asked to pray for someone to keep them in your daily prayers, or have asked the same of someone else? We also can believe that each and every one of their cries of prayer has been heard by God! May we all take the time each day, no matter how great or small, to ask for what we need and in gratitude listen to the answer.
Peace,
Fr. Michael