Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Moving towards Jesus is always Encountered with tough Challenges

Gospel Thoughts

33rd Week : Wednesday

GOSPEL Mt 14:22-33

First Reading - Acts 28: 11-16, 30-31

Dedication of the Basilicas of St Peter and St Paul

*Moving towards Jesus is always Encountered with tough Challenges*

*1) First of all Peter had to Walk on the Water*

Since Peter wanted to go towards Jesus, he had to cross the waters. 

So he chooses to walk on the water with the help of Jesus. Even then to make a decision to walk on the water, which was so far unheard, seems to be tough challenge for Peter. 

Peter receives this challenge with open heart to walk on the water to go towards Jesus. 

*2) Secondly Peter Had to face the mighty waves while walking on the Water* 

Peters journey towards Jesus was challenged by the mighty waves. 

These mighty waves interrupted his journey and he was not able to move further. 

This was one of the big challenges which was encountered by Peter while moving towards Jesus. 

*3) Peter Shift his focus from Jesus to the Challenge*

Peter begins with right attitude. His focus was Jesus so he could walk on the water without any issues. 

But as soon as he is encountered with the mighty waves he shifts his focus from Jesus to the waves. 

Now he sees only waves and its power. That makes Peter to helpless and losing the control of the situation. 

Shifting of ones gaze, from Jesus to the problems will worsen the situation. Instead have focus on Jesus, things will move naturally.


*4) Amidst the challenges he cries out to Jesus*

Peter, when he realised that he can't move further, he cried out to the Lord. "Lord save me" 

This is one of the typical expression of many when one is faced with tough challenges 

The cry is very important because, it changed the Whole situation and new direction was given to Peter's journey

*4) Paul also encountered many challenges in His journey towards Jesus*

His journey starts with a great challenge. 

He was thrown out from the horse, became blind, gradually misunderstood by his own people. 

Later he had to face all kinds of trials and problems and finally he was martyred for the sake of Jesus. 

So His journey was full of challenges. But he was committed to face any challenges to move towards Jesus. 

*5) My journey toward Jesus to faced with many challenges*

Like Peter we have to decide many times to walk on the water to come to Jesus. Walking on the water is very tough challenges of life. 

Like Peter we too will be faced with mighty waves which will create fear and anxiety, in our journey. 

Like Peter many times we will shift our attention from Jesus to the problems. 

Like Peter many times many of us will cry, Lord save me, i am perishing 

Like Paul many of us are made to fall down, face persecution and trails in our journey towards Jesus. 

*6) Am I ready to face these challenges*

With out facing challenges even Peter could not reach near to Jesus. 

These challenges are part and parcel of our life, which we have to face in order to reach Jesus. 

So what is my attitude with regard to facing of challenges? 

*Face or escape?*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*
*Jeppu Seminary*
*Mangalore*

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