Jesus must have had extraordinary appeal as evidenced in the people who kept following Him. What did they see in Jesus? What was it about His person that was so appealing that people wanted to be around Him, close to Him?
Today’s Gospel reveals to us the personality of Jesus and why He was so appealing.
When Peter feared he was going to drown, Jesus simply told him, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Those are comforting and reassuring words that tell us that no matter what, Jesus will always be at our side to take hold of us if we falter, to lift us if we fall.
Notice what was said when Jesus reached the shore after his rescue of Peter. The men who were there recognized Him and sent word to the people in the surrounding area. They came to see Jesus … just to be able to touch His garment! Again, what did they see in Him that drew them to Him?
What are we not seeing that keeps some of us at a distance from Him today? What are people missing out on?
Some answers can be found in the Gospel today. Like Peter, people believe but don’t always have to courage to act on their beliefs. Like Peter, people are afraid to commit to Jesus believing they could never live up to His expectations.
The beauty of the gospel today is that Jesus knows this about us and is willing to wait … ready to reach out to us once we decide to have more of Him in our lives and the lives of our families.
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Father Leo's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
