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Jesus
made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other
side.... Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being
tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During
the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the
sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were
terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried
out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it
is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply,
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the
water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of
the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he
saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and beginning to
sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately
Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O
you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got
into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did
him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
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In
the movie “Finding Nemo,” Marlin, the father of Nemo came
to understand his need for others as he tried to find his son,
accepting even the help of absent-minded Dory. Likewise Nemo
himself had to accept the help of his tank-hood friends and eventually
Dory who was always willing to help, even if it meant that she might
complicate issues more than aid them. The point is made, however,
that both Marlin and Nemo needed the help of others to do what they
wanted to do.
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Peter
the apostle liked to think that he could do things alone. Even as
he boldly asked Jesus for permission to walk on the water to him, Peter
felt that he really could do it by himself. Only when he began to
realize that the dangers of the sea were about to overpower him did he
reach out to Jesus, crying “Lord, save
me!” Jesus simply replied to him that he had to become a
person of faith who depended on others.
We need others. People who believe that they do not need others often end up selfish and ego-centered in their approach, sometimes using others for their own good. Children need parents, young adults need their parents and friends, adults need the help of other adults. The person who understands this will develop an attitude of concern and thankfulness toward everyone they meet because other people really are important. Whether we are involved in making a living, or preparing for it, other people are necessary for our existence. If we manage to comprehend such a simple fact, we will develop an attitude of living that results in true maturity. |
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THOUGHT
What is the ultimate reason why we need
other people?
PRAYERGood
and gracious God, we have the example of the apostles to teach us that
we need Jesus in our lives, and we also need others. Help us be
thankful to the people who help us, and give us the grace to always
understand the need we have for others. Be with us, we pray.
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©2007
Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America |