What a gift it was to celebrate with Deacon Alex Clark last weekend! It was a privilege to be at his Diaconate Ordination and witness the love he and his classmates have for Jesus as they laid down their lives for the Church! It was a joy to be able to listen to him preach and to be inspired by the call of Jesus to not be afraid – to get out of the boat and be with Jesus in the storms of life!
On the same weekend, we prayed with and for Colleen Wilson who is going to begin her formation with the Nashville Dominicans this month. She too, like Deacon Alex, responded to the call Jesus has for her – to get out of the boat of what they know and enter into a new walk with Jesus. Yes, there will be unknowns, but like Deacon Alex said, even though it was terrifying, it was on that walk that he experienced newfound, peace, joy, healing, etc. This is what walking with Jesus is all about!
In the Gospel last weekend, we heard the short prayer of Peter as he was sinking and in need: “Lord save me!” The Gospel reminds us that as soon as Peter prays this prayer, the word “immediately” follows as immediately Jesus reached out and saved Peter. This is who Jesus is for us. As soon as we call on the name of Jesus, He immediately will be there for us, to comfort us, to guide us, to lift us up! We need to truly believe this!
In the Gospel this weekend, we hear another short, beautiful prayer by a Canaanite woman who shouts “Lord help me” as she calls on Jesus to heal her daughter who was being tormented by a demon. Not long after she prays this prayer of help to Jesus, Jesus responds and heals her daughter.
“Lord save me!” “Lord help me.” While these prayers are brief, they are effective. Jesus wants us to realize that whenever we are in need in life, if we call upon Him He will be there for us in the end.
As you read this, do you trust in who Jesus is for you? Do you struggle with prayer? Perhaps it is as simple as using the words, “Lord save me” or “Lord help me.” What do you need help with today? Have you reached out to family members, friends, co- workers, classmates, parishioners for help? Most importantly, have you reached out to Jesus in faith and confidence and asked for His help?
“The LORD is my strength and my shield, in whom my heart trusts.
I am helped, so my heart rejoices; with my song I praise Him.” – Psalm 28:7
May God’s peace and joy be with you,
Fr. Jeremy Merzweiler
