In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus says, And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

 I liken this scripture to my wife and I saving up all our money to build a new house. The first part was easy with the builders you come up with ideal plan for your house. Well it is not exactly your ideal plan because that is usually dictated by what you could afford and the supplies being available. At the time, we had to compromise. For me building a house can be compared to my faith journey.  The commitment my parents made for me began with the Celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist. It was keeping that commitment that was difficult.

Then you pay instalments as each part of the house is added. First the site preparation, foundation, framework and brickwork. For me it was my parents paying the school fees to send me to a Catholic School. At my school for 13 years I was given a grounding in the traditions of the Catholic Church through prayer, scripture and liturgy. It was where I learnt about the symbols and the rituals that are integral to celebrating our faith.

Next is the installation of windows and doors, roofing and siding. I would compare this stage of my faith journey as where I start to connect the scripture, symbols and rituals to my life experiences and how that is interwoven with my relationships with God and everyone I encounter.

The following stage is fitting the electricity, plumbing, cabinets and flooring. Instantly I am at the point where I am required to continually visit the house to ensure everything is going to plan. The link with my faith is although it is taking shape I need to constantly reflect on my life experiences to determine that challenges I face don’t consume so I don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. That is my relationships with my family, friends and God.

The final stage is lock up where you make the final payment and are given the keys. The keys that immediately, opened the door to the responsibility that went from furnishing the house to quickly becoming a larger family. Furthermore, the house is not only our home but a mixture of different personalities that share the highs and lows of each other’s lives. Like our faith journey we continually evaluate these experiences with the commitment of achieving fruitful and positive relationships that enable us to assist others and ourselves in working towards a common purpose to build on the foundation that allows us to pursue our dreams.

In Matthew 14:26-30,

The disciples saw Jesus walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Taking the first step is always difficult to do particularly if the governing emotion is fear. We often defer to our comfort zone or we can revert to a state of denial.  So why do we act in this way?

I think we have a fear of the unknown when we can’t explain what is occurring. Consequently, we try to predict possible outcomes. For me it is usually the worst case scenarios because I can’t influence the outcome. Therefore, if I am not in control I have to let go. Hence, my faith needs to kick in.

The next stage is taking a leap of faith and getting out of the boat and walking on the water toward Jesus. When Peter saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” I liken Peter’s experience to being on a rollercoaster ride and then suddenly wishing I wasn’t there because the experience I was having was not quite what I envisaged. Therefore, the rollercoaster ride was not what I thought it would be although I am much wiser for the experience.  Hence, we learn from our experiences especially those that involved risk taking. On reflection, I am still glad I went on the rollercoaster as I am sure Peter is that he tried to walk on water.

The final stage is trust in the support of your family and friends. Jesus said, “You of little faith why did you doubt.” I would argue it is not only a matter of doubting my own abilities but doubting my own faith in God to reveal that he has an active role in my life. When faced with difficulties or challenging situations it is then you rely on your family and friends to keep you thinking positively that you can overcome any situation. The question is when your options run out can you put your trust in God? I believe it is then that you can truly walk on water.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Saint Paul says,“Love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

So, I reflected on what best symbolized love and for me. I believe love is where we meet to God. Love takes many forms.

Firstly, for me to know love I need to appreciate the beauty in the world around us. I see it in the enormity of God’s creation, the music that I listen to, the brilliant dramatic performances of actors, the creativity of painters, the intricate storytelling of authors, the artistic elegance of dancers and the laughter of children.

Secondly, I find Love in the Gospels when I read about Jesus. Jesus through the Parables speaks about a God that is merciful and forgiving especially to the poor, the sinners and those at the margins of society. Furthermore, he heals the faithful of their afflictions all they have to do is believe. Thus, Jesus through his words and actions inspires us to imitate his life. We can do this by listening and discerning what God wants for us by reading the bible, praying, appreciating creation, celebrating, loving our neighbour and accepting forgiveness and forgiving in turn.

Finally, I find Love in the people I have encountered in my life.  The relationships I form with my family, friends and work colleagues is where I find God.  It is through their encouragement, support and commitment to the relationship that allow me to be who I want to be and give me hope that my life’s journey will be a fruitful one. Just like God these people are a constant in my life whose Love fortunately for me never ends.

Last week my dog Ed who had been with my family for 15 years passed away.

Back in 2002 I got home from work when to my surprise I nearly tripped over a young Kelpie cross puppy sliding across the floor of our family room. My younger daughter, Natalie saw my apprehension towards having a dog and said, “Don’t worry Dad we are only trialing the dog for the next three days and if it doesn’t work out he can always go back to the farm.”

Well the whole weekend I experienced family pressure convincing me to keep the dog and for further incentive I could even name him. So, I called him, Ed after my favourite television show at the time. However, that alone did not mean he would stay and I was still holding out because in my mind it was only a matter of time before Ed returned to the farm.

Then it happened just as I had tired of his barking, complaining neighbours, ripped mattresses and messes all over the floor and the something happened.  What I had failed to see in all my negativity was how wonderfully, Ed had bonded with my wife and children. In particular my son, Simon with special needs who he would always follow around the backyard like he was looking out for him. Unbeknown to me my wife Anne Marie entered the “Sunday Mail Dog of the Year Competition”, due to that unique relationship between Simon and Ed.  Sure, enough the day I was going to say Ed needs to go I got a phone call at work. It was Anne Marie saying Ed had won the competition now there was no way that Ed could leave seeing he was a celebrity with his photo with my son on the front page of the Sunday Mail.

Well the next 15 years went by rather quickly and last week Ed suddenly passed away. For all my grumbling I am going to miss the wagging of his tail when I came home, his ability to demand a pat whenever family and friends were nearby, his constant faithfulness and companionship, the long walks along the beach where I told all my problems but most of all I will miss his unconditional love that distracted me from the issues of everyday life.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Proverbs 3:4

Matthew 10: 27 Jesus says,” What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.”

 So how does this scripture relate to being welcoming?

I think Jesus is challenging us to being transparent. Hence, our transparency can resonate with other people who perceive that this is a person who they can trust because they are so open and hospitable with everyone they meet. They treat everyone that same and don’t do special favours for a chosen few.

Moreover, the scripture refers to proclaiming from the housetops rather than what you hear whispered. I believe Jesus is asking us to feel good about who we are and what we are doing and letting other people know about it, particularly when witnesses the good news of God’s Kingdom. Our own personal witness through the work we do demonstrates that we go beyond just a welcome, but we interested in building relationships with others which ultimately develops a culture of compassion and engagement.

Furthermore, welcoming means reserving judgement and always looking for the best in others. It requires us to be cautious and not regret our actions that may sabotage a positive outcome in any situation. Thus, welcoming is the starting point to creating a community that builds a community that lives the Gospel values.

I often find it difficult waiting for anything. If I want a reply to a question, an email, a phone message or buying my food from a takeaway or order from a restaurant I want it straight away. This has led me to reflect on why is waiting so difficult?

In my case I think it is due to wanting to be straight away. I want my answer to the question, email or phone call so I can move on to my next actions to fulfil my needs. Moreover, with the food I want my hunger satiated so I can be contented. Thus, my motives are purely self-aggrandisement.

For the disciples, I have a different take. I imagine when Jesus said he would return to earth that the disciples thought he would be back in their lifetime.

“So, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Matthew 24:44

I think for the disciples the waiting for Jesus was because they needed his support but once they realized they had the ability to continue Christ’s mission without him their anxiety diminished.

Finally, I have also come to the conclusion that sometimes if we just wait for events to unfold they have a way of working themselves out. Consequently, how we need to proceed further becomes clearer and may result in a more positive outcome than if we acted.

Therefore, I believe waiting is more than just looking for a response so we can get on with the next part of our life or satisfying a need. I believe it is about reassurance which gives us hope to continue our life and faith journey.

In John’s Gospel 14:16 to17 Jesus says,” And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth.”

I believe that Jesus teachings are what guide us to the Spirit of truth. Moreover, when I am are able to interpret these teachings and relate them to my life it is the power of the Spirit that is revealing the words and actions to take me forward.

“The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

Furthermore, to live according Jesus’ teachings is challenging and requires me to give myself to others. Consequently, it necessitates that I make choices where I am unable to please everyone. Sometimes these choices may alienate my family and friends but if I know they contribute to positive outcomes for them or other people then I am doing God’s will.

In verses 20 and 21 Jesus goes on say that God is always is with us.

“On that day, you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

What a great a feeling it is to know that God is not only present but also dwells within me. Additionally, for me realizing I am made in the image of God and therefore a visible witness of God’s presence on Earth. Thus, my role is proclaiming the Gospel and reveal the Spirit of truth to everyone I encounter. Ultimately, it is this Spirit of truth that sets us free and gives meaning and purpose to my life.

How many times do we feel our relationships are going along perfectly when suddenly they turn in a way we didn’t think possible.

In Mark, chapter 14:27-31 he writes,

²⁷ “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:                  “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

²⁸ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

I often wonder why Peter was the disciple that Jesus points out as the person who denies him. In response,

²⁹ Peter declares, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

Surely if I was the person publicly accused in front of my friends as the one who denies Jesus I would doing my absolute utmost not to succumb to Jesus’ prediction.

³⁰ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today yes, tonight before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”

However, Jesus even nominates the time of each the denial.

³¹ But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

So therefore, why does Peter despite his confident protestations surrender to denying Jesus three times.

I believe the reason Peter denied he knew Jesus was threefold. The first accusation comes from a servant girl where perhaps Peter just didn’t want to be associated with Jesus fearing for his own safety and how it might lead to his own death. Consequently, realizing his life was threatened he put it before his loyalty to Jesus. I wonder how often do I act out of self-preservation rather than support the actions of my family and friends.

However, the servant girl continues to step up the pressure by telling others that Peter was a follower of Jesus. Under pressure from many more challengers Peter denies again. Thus, it goes beyond                        self -preservation there is a need for Peter to get away from the pointed fingers.

I would argue that it may be guilt that compels him to try to get away from the scene as fast as possible. Hence, I consider how many times have I sought an escape route rather than face the problem.

Finally, Peter has bystanders confront him and retorts, “I don’t know this man your talking about.” I think by this stage Peter had reached the end of his tether and realized there was nothing he could do to help Jesus. Thus, for Peter there was no solution to Jesus’ plight it was just spiraling to an inevitable conclusion, Jesus’ death. I sometimes reflect whether I defer to there being no solution rather than looking for possible ways to come a resolution.

Surely, Jesus through his resurrection witnessed not only to Peter but the world there is always room for hope it is just a matter of believing.

Blind to Possibilities

 In John 9:1-12, A man born blind receives sight. What I find really interesting is the motivation behind Jesus’ healing. When Jesus was asked why the blind man was cured he replied,

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.” (John 9:3)

Hence, Jesus’s purpose was to demonstrate that despite the severity of any illness or disability God’s power can cure all. How often do we think there is no solution to our problems? Additionally, do we take the opportunity through prayer to ask God for help in searching for an answer to the difficulties we are encountering? Too often I am fixated on quick solution rather than patiently working through a process to achieve the optimum result for everyone.

Furthermore, through the healing Jesus was giving us a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven. I imagine it would be amazing to be relieved of any burdens I carry or know so that I would never have to endure suffering again.

Moreover, the witnesses to Jesus’s healing of the “Blind Man” would pass on the story to families, friends and their local community. It was then written in the Gospel of John so God’s power is proclaimed to future generations. Thus, actions and words have the power to speak to others when we overcome problems. Therefore, building positive relationships with the people affected also has the flow down effect of developing an optimism and resilience amongst the community.  Consequently, a growth mindset when facing their next difficult situation and examining every possibility to achieve a successful outcome.

I believe solutions are achieved by not searching for a quick answer to a problembut by analysing the action I have taken in resolving the situation. In the future, I will attempt to have a clear intent in determining a solution that is sustainable and gives hope to making a difference to the lives of the people experiencing adversity. Thus, never being blind to the possibilities of a positive conclusion.