THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM FEAR, WORRY AND DOUBT IN LIFE WITHOUT TRUST IN A PERSONAL GOD WHO KNOW YOU AND WHOM YOU HAVE COME TO KNOW AS ALMIGHTY, LOVING AND FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD.
"Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.
"Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea.
"When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.”
"Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14: 22.... 36)
Tuesday 2nd August 2022 of the 18th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Julian Eymard (1811 - 1868). French. After his ordination, Peter joined the Marist Congregation in 1840. He then had an intense experience of the merciful love of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament. This experience changed the course of his life and gave him a new mission. He fostered Eucharistic Adoration throughout the rest of his life and founded the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament who are priest-adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
August 2nd is also the feast of St Eusebius of Vercelli in Sardinia in Italy.(+ 371). Bishop. St Eusebius and St Athanasius fought the Arian heresy tooth and nail. The Arians denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Arians tortured and exiled St Eusebius.
Have you ever faced a deep paralyzing fear in your life? For example: Being fired from a job, facing an ugly divorce, or doctor's life and death verdict? Have you ever lost a child for a couple of days as the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced? Or facing imminent death in a deadly weather disaster? All these are occasions for crippling fear.
In our key Scripture, we find the Apostles facing such a moment. Peter becomes the type for all of us in this drama.
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
So far so good. But things changed quickly.
"But when he [Peter] saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Why did Peter panic? He took his eyes off Jesus. You too will panic in any crisis if you take your eyes off Jesus. What we you do?
Fear entered Peter's mind through his eyes. Fear, worry and doubt enter into us often through our physical senses. The first order of business in combating fear, worry and doubt is to control our senses. The best defense in this case is offense. Make a habit of feeding your mind with God's word. Learn to pray constantly. You can close your eyes and block your ears. Prepare for any emergency in your morning prayer.
As Christians, we are urged to be prepared always. The enemy of mankind who is also the Merchant of Fear and Death does not sleep. He prowls everywhere seeking for the careless sheep to devour. Deny him every opportunity.
Fear is useless; what is needed is trust in Jesus our Good Shepherd.
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