We hear Peter say the following in today’s Gospel: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus said, “Come.” We remember that even though Peter sounds rather determined when he asks Jesus to have him come on the water, soon he begins to lose his nerve and begins to sink. It’s not easy to walk on water and there are many circumstances in our lives where we may feel that the Lord is asking us “to walk on water.” There is something of St. Peter in all of us – strength at times and fear at other times. Fear is something real and we always have to be aware of what it can do to us. That’s why we must stay close to Jesus who is with us even at the times when we think that we are going to drown.
This week we have a Holy Day of Obligation: the Assumption of Mary. Remember that the 4:30 and 5:30 Mass on Monday afternoon will fulfill your obligation, in addition to the Masses on Tuesday. This is a day for us to honor the Blessed Mother for being the Mother of the Church and our Mother.
Next week we will have our Week of Prayer in honor of Our Lady, Untier of Knots. This has become a popular devotion at St. Francis and we invite you to participate in these special days. All of us have things that tie us “in knots” and Mary is a wonderful example of one who had to deal with many complicating factors in her life and yet remained a Woman of Faith. Please join us!
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.