By: Fr. John Jasica
SUMMER SERIES--EYES FIXED ON CHRIST
THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS SERIES
As I mentioned in last weekend’s article, I love preaching in the message series format. It allows me to explore a major theme rooted in readings over multiple weeks which helps me dive deeper into the grace, love and hope Jesus offers all of us. It involves more work and planning but it helps me grow in my ministry as a priest and a disciple of the Lord. I hope it helps our family of parishes form disciples who reach out to all.
This series is important to me because it reminds me that no matter what storms I face in life, whether in my work or personal life, as long as I hold Christ at the centre of my heart—what seems to be impossible can become possible. All of us need to be reminded of this because all of us face many different challenges every day that can overwhelm, frighten, and freeze us in place. Not only can we see the impossible become possible around us but when we cooperate, “lean-in” and embrace Christ, miracles can happen through us and for us. This is why faith is the most important aspect of our lives that we unfortunately do not spend enough time growing or value as much as we should.
HOMILY #1 - GOD ALONE SATISFIES
In the first homily of this series, I reflected on the fact that only God can fill our hearts completely. Despite knowing this, we so often try so many other things that are momentary distractions that end up making us feel more empty than before. As St. Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
Nothing and no one can separate us from God as He “leans in” seeking to dwell in our hearts. We too are called to respond by “leaning-in” towards Christ through our daily faith and our family of parishes. When we connect with Christ, our lives are changed and in our small and subtle ways become instruments of grace that the Lord multiplies and magnifies. What an amazing grace!!
HOMILY #2 - WITH CHRIST ALL IS POSSIBLE
The first reading and the gospel this weekend helps us recognize how God helps us overcome what we perceive to be impossible. Of course we all know that with Christ, anything is possible. We say this but when we actually experience it for ourselves, we truly change the way we live and the way we see the world.
FIRST READING - ELIJAH STEPS OUT OF THE CAVE
In the first reading, the prophet Elijah runs into the wilderness seeking refuge after Queen Jezebel had issued an immediate death threat against him for defeating 450 prophets of a pagan god on Mount Carmel. Elijah was disappointed that the royal family remained unrepentant and did not change their ways. Elijah felt overwhelmed, defeated and alone. God’s encounter with Elijah in sheer silence brought him out of the cave blessing him with courage, zeal, peace and strength to carry on as a prophet of the Good News. God meets us where we are and helps us overcome our fears and limits empowering us with grace.
GOSPEL - PETER STEPS OUT OF THE BOAT
The gospel reading this weekend is at the heart of this message series. When Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water while keeping his eyes on Jesus—he steps out of his comfort zone, looks past his fears and disregards the impossible. Peter takes a risk and places complete trust in Jesus. He only begins to falter and sink when he is distracted by the winds that take his heart, eyes and attention away from the Lord. When he began to doubt he began to sink—but Jesus saves him! We too need to have courage like Peter to risk and step out of our comfort zones and look past the distractions, doubts and limits that we ourselves or others place on our path. It is a choice that we have the power to make—and when we do—change brings us grace!!
HOW DO WE KEEP OUR EYES ON CHRIST?
This is the ultimate mission for our family of parishes. We need to help each other by being the soft and gentle voice of God who calls us out of the cave of darkness and fear while also together, stepping out of the boat of comfort and complacency to risk living the Gospel intentionally—allowing the Good News to guide us in every aspect of our lives.
