“Lord! save me!”  

By: Fr. Mark Hughes

First Reading 1 Kings 19:9.11-13;

Second Reading Romans 9:1-5;

Gospel Matthew 14:22-33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Lord, save me” is a desperate cry of a man facing a difficult moment in life. A familiarity of the high seas turned unfamiliar in the darkness of the night. Tossed by the waves of the raging sea, Peter’s cry is met with a consoling rebuke “man of little faith, why did you doubt?” A momentary lapse of faith leads to chaos and confusion in an otherwise vibrant, charismatic person. It has managed to deviate his focus to the problem he finds himself sinking in; rather than to the calm in the storm- Jesus. 

We have been where Peter was. Life often throws us a similar curve ball when it is least expected. When we are vulnerable and at our lowest point, we do find ourselves battling the high seas having stepped out of our secure boat. So, it would seem! Disappointment and discouragement, suffering and sorrow, insecurity and anxiety leave us feeling isolated from all the good things which were once familiar. Jesus assures us that we are never alone. When our vision is obscured or grows faint, our cry for saving help is heard by the Lord. He is never far apart from his chosen ones. He is in the midst of our troubles. In our powerlessness he reveals his presence and true identity- “it is I,” he speaks of himself. Reassuring us of his presence with us- Emmanuel- God with us ever close to us.

We, the collective “little faith” draw together as the church. We gather in the outstretched arms of the Lord who calls out “come.” To come just as we are not as we see ourselves but as he sees us. No pretense, no false impersonations, in our vulnerability; we are invited to come to the Lord. To look to him and not be afraid. His call tugs at our heart to seek him in faith and trust. To reach out and know his hand is already extended reaching out to ours. So come and come time again to the Lord if you must. Reach out and take his hand.

 

 

I draw this reflection to a close with the poem of Helen Steiner Rice titled “Never be discouraged”

 

 

Reference:

Ruehlmann J. Virginia and The Helen Steiner Rice Foundation. The Poems and Prayers of Helen Steiner Rice. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 2007

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