In today’s Gospel, we witness how Peter’s faith in Jesus is put to the test once again. During a bad storm on the sea of Galilee, Jesus asks Peter to have courage, leave the boat and walk on the water toward Him. Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk toward Jesus. But then, as Peter is buffeted by the strong winds and waves, his fright overtakes him, and he begins to sink. He cries out in terror to Jesus who “immediately” stretches out His hand and saves Peter. Jesus rebukes him for the inadequacy of his faith and asks the rhetorical question, “Why did you doubt?” After they get in the boat, the wind dies down and the disciples pay homage to Jesus, recognizing, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” As we hear this familiar story, we can understand Peter’s dilemma. He recognized Jesus, and courageously took a leap of faith to leave the boat and walk on the water as Jesus commanded. But then, Peter lost his focus on Jesus and instead focused on the strong wind and terrifying waves. It was then he began to sink. It is only when he returned his focus to Jesus and asked for help that Jesus saved him from sinking. How often are we just like Peter? Do we trust in Jesus to get us through the difficult storms of our lives? Or do we turn away from Jesus and focus on our problems making them even more frightening. Do we have the faith to place our problems in God’s hands trusting in His mercy and grace? It may seem at times that we are sinking hopelessly under insurmountable problems. But just like Peter, if we refocus our attention on Jesus and call out to Him in prayer, we will be saved! So too when we as a parish community stay truly focused and work together on our mission of discipleship, the storms buffeting our lives and God’s Church will calm as well.