Message from the Minister: Trinity 9: 9th August

I would like to focus on Peter out on the lake in a storm and he sees a figure coming towards him and he is afraid and Peter says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus invites him to do so and he gets out of the boat but Peter then realises the strong wind, is afraid and begins to sink. He cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus stretches out his hand and holds him.

Fear causes us to doubt and things begin to crumble around us. The question we all have to answer is: what are we afraid of? We all have fears: fears of the unknown, of the dark, of illness, perhaps especially at this time of Covid 19, fears of being in crowded places, fears of being alone: the list is endless. So, how do we cope with our fears?

Matthew gives us a clue in the reading: “And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.” Like all human beings Jesus experienced fear, but he placed himself in the hands of God and continued to do what God was calling him to do. It didn’t stop him being afraid but he trusted God would carry him through.

Peter when he was frightened called to Jesus for help and he received the helping hand and he and the other disciples made a great discovery - “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Each and everyone of us can call out to God when we are frightened.

Andrew Lane

Society of St Luke