Overcoming Fear, Building the Spiritual Life (Homily)

There are three things to take note of in the Gospel regarding the spiritual life. After Jesus teaches the throngs of people, He goes into silence and stillness to commune within the Trinity. So, Jesus models for us the calling to be in quietude with God.

As the Apostles traverse the Sea of Galilee to meet Jesus on the other side, they collectively see an apparition and want to be sure that it is Jesus. Thus, they model for us proper discernment.

When Jesus calls Peter to walk on the water, Peter loses his footing because he fears the strength of the wind. In this, Peter reveals to us that amidst our deep faith, we have times of doubt. Therefore, he models for us the need to think prayerfully, act spiritually, and listen attentively to God.

In the end, Jesus restores Peter and the Apostles to faith. In that, we learn to renew our love the Lord and follow His will.