The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
“Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.”
// Fred Rogers (1928 – 2003)
Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, was well known for sharing gratitude on his show, off camera, and in front of the Hollywood elite.
While accepting an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, Mister Rogers asked the world to pause for 10 seconds in silence and “think of the people who have helped you become who you are, those who cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life.”
I dare you to take 10 seconds right now (pause the scroll!) and close your eyes. Think of two people who have helped, cared for, and wanted the best for you. Picture their faces. Hear their voices. Make them present in your mind.
Who did you think about?
Yes, we have this person in Jesus, but we also know and feel the love of God through the people we have come to know in life. Christ’s love becomes incarnate in the love of our friends and family.
They have watched all of us – from here and above – walk down the wedding aisle, take our first steps and stumbles, pick up the pieces from broken relationships and shattered dreams, head to college or first jobs... every single life moment, they, like Christ, have watched.
In Matthew’s Gospel, we read how Peter stepped off the boat and walked on water towards Christ who beckoned him. His steps are steady until he realizes what he is doing and he starts to sink.
“Lord, save me!”
In the thrash of the sea, Peter hears Christ call out, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” as the hand of God pulls Peter from the turbulence.
Think back to those who you thought about earlier. When they reached out their hands in kindness to help you, what was going on in your life? What was happening?
Had you stepped off the boat in courage towards something calling you? A job? A relationship? A family?
When the seas grow rough, we always return somewhere. There, may we always find peace in Christ and in the neighbors around us.
Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
P.S. If you can, give that person a call today. Or better yet, write them an old-fashioned, handwritten letter.
