“Why do you doubt?”
 
Matthew 14:31
 
      The storm calmed by Jesus and lack of faith of Peter and the other disciples are the most fascinating gospel passages of the New Testament. The boat has always been associated with the Church and the community of the believers in its bustle in the tumultuous times that seem to take them to be shipwrecked. The Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI quoted this passage when he resigned from the See of Peter. Benedict said that he lacked the physical strength to continue at the forefront of the boat of Peter referring to the Church. Many were surprised by his decision which historically was repeated almost six hundred years of the resignation of Pope Celestine V. Today, nearly five years of that event, we can see that the Church and the legitimate successor of Peter, Pope Francis, progresses steadily and in a humble way. Francis leads us in a faith that makes us find Jesus and His promise that the He will always be with the community of believers led by Peter.
      So let us not hesitate in the difficult moments of our life when the storm is very strong due to the lack of security in our work, due to natural disasters or family disagreements. Let us ask Jesus for the strength that comes from the Spirit and is given to us in simple prayer. Just as the Prophet Elijah; do not seek God only in those dramatic moments of our lives but in the gentle breeze that comes in the quiet prayer of our daily lives. Let us think how we can help those who falter in their faith or suffer in their bodies and help them with words of encouragement. Let us think that today we are the force of Jesus that can be a balm for those who are marginalized from society by their way of thinking and do not doubt that Jesus is and will always be with us.
                             Fr. Hernán, S.J.