Dear parishioners & visitors,

Today’s Gospel is one of my favorite passages of Scripture and one that I took to prayer many times during six years of seminary and during my priesthood. We all can identify with Peter. Peter is the Apostle who is closest to Jesus throughout his ministry, the Apostle Jesus trusts to build his Church, and the Apostle who dearly loves Jesus. Yet, Peter doubts. In today’s Gospel, it is Peter who has the courage to go to Jesus Christ with faith knowing all things are possible through Christ, even walking on the sea. A sign of the divinity of Christ that resides within Peter’s heart and soul. Yet, as it happens with all of us, doubt can creep into our heart and soul. Peter has doubts and he begins to sink into the sea. He cries out, “Lord, save me!” And the Lord saves him!

Doubts are part of the human condition. But doubts at times within our journey of faith can also embolden and grow our faith because we can reach out to our Lord especially in those moments, and the Lord is there reaching out to us, as long as we keep ourselves open to receive him and listen to him. I share with you this Prayer for Guidance and Clarity:

In times of uncertainty and doubt, I seek Your guiding light, O Lord. Strengthen my faith and help me to trust in Your divine plan. Grant me wisdom to discern Your voice amid confusion and fill my heart with peace. Remind me that Your love dispels all fear. Amen

Yours in Christ,

Father Dan