"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience," (Col 3:12)

Mt 14, 22-36

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. "After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

The verb "to doubt" used in today's Gospel can also be translated as "to waver." There are moments in our lives, moments like this darkness on the lake where we see nothing, not even God Himself. The apostles thought they saw a ghost, so they did not have a good picture, a clear picture of God in this situation, in this darkness. It's hard for us to see it in our sufferings, it's hard for us to see it in our problems, it's hard for us to see it in our doubt, which shakes our faith, disturbing its peace, like a storm disturbs a beautiful, calm surface of a lake. A man in the face of suffering or various adversities may falter, not only in health, not only financially, but also spiritually, because we are dealing with something difficult, painful, which takes away the strength to live, takes away joy, disturbs happiness. Something that seems insurmountable to us is not impossible for Christ to overcome. He can even walk on water, showing not only cool tricks, but also the fact that he is above the depths of our difficulties, our darkness, our night; that He is not terrified by the depths of our suffering, despair, and hopelessness. In the example of Peter, God shows us that we too can rise above all that is difficult in our lives if we only trust Jesus and let him lead us. Then even walking on the lake will not seem difficult, because He will be with us. And even if we lack faith, He will not lack faith in us, because He knows that we can do little. That is why He will always extend his helping hand to us, He will always support us, He will pull us out of our problems, weaknesses, and sufferings. What seems impossible to us is possible for God, so let's not be afraid to ask Him for help, let's not be afraid to ask Him for support in our problems, let's not think that our problems or suffering are the end of the world, that nothing good can come of it. This is not true, something good will happen, something beautiful will happen, something spectacular will happen if we just trust Jesus. Let's not let our problems shake our faith, let's not let doubt stop us on our way to Jesus. Let us be courageous and let us not be afraid to ask for what is impossible for us, because for Him everything is possible.

Father Marcin Cwierz, OSPPE

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"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience," (Col 3:12)