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Thank you.

You're awesome.

Okay. And then go.

God doesn't need your strength. He wants your surrender. Do you believe in miracles?

Miracles are—

Real.

Merciful.

Timely.

Beautiful. You are a miracle.

What storm is raging in your life right now? Some miracles happen in moments of celebration. Others happen in moments of sheer terror. The miracle of Jesus Christ calming the storm and later walking on water toward His disciples belongs firmly in the second category. This is not a miracle wrapped in joy and laughter. This miracle is wrapped in wind, darkness, exhaustion, and fear. The disciples were terrified. They were afraid for their lives, and that is precisely why it speaks so powerfully to our lives. The scene unfolds on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples are experienced fishermen. These men know boats. They know storms. And yet this one overwhelms them. Waves crash into the boat. Water pours in. Control slips away. Fear rises. They do everything they know how to do, and it is not enough. Isn't that how storms usually arrive in our own lives? We prepare, we plan, we work hard, we take control, we rely on experience, and then something happens that exceeds our competence: a diagnosis, a betrayal, a financial collapse, a relationship that begins to sink. We lose control and the storm exposes the limits of our strength.

In the 14th chapter of Matthew's Gospel, we hear that after feeding the 5,000, Jesus does something curious. He instructs the disciples to get into the boat and sends them ahead of him. He dismisses the crowd and goes up a mountain to pray alone. Night falls. The disciples are far from shore. The wind is against them. The boat is being battered by waves and fear begins to take over. The disciples are doing exactly what Jesus asked them to do. And yet, they still find themselves struggling, exhausted, and afraid. This is an important correction to a common misunderstanding of the spiritual life. Faithfulness does not exempt us from storms. Obedience does not guarantee calm seas. Sometimes, the storm comes precisely because we are following Jesus. In the fourth watch of the night - that's between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM in the morning - Jesus comes toward the disciples, walking on the water. They are already worn down by fear and fatigue, and now terror overtakes them. They begin to fear they are losing their minds. They cry out, convinced they are seeing a ghost. Fear distorts perception. It always has. Jesus speaks immediately, "Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid." These were words of reassurance and revelation. "It is I," echoes the divine name. Jesus is not just calming nerves. He's revealing identity. God is present even here, even now, even in the storm, especially when we're afraid. And then Peter speaks. Peter always does. He asks for something both reckless and beautiful. "Lord, if it is you, command me to come onto the water." Not trusting his mind, Peter requests a sign. Notice what Peter does not ask. he doesn't ask Jesus to calm the storm. He doesn't ask Jesus to stop the wind. He asks for permission to come closer. This is faith at its best. It doesn't demand safety. It desires intimacy. Jesus responds with one word, "Come." And Peter steps out of the boat in faith. For a brief, breathtaking moment, Peter does the impossible. He walks on water. As long as his eyes remain fixed on Jesus, the storm has no power over him. But the moment Peter takes his eyes off Jesus, focuses on the wind and the waves, calculates the danger, and starts imagining the consequences, fear takes over. He begins to sink. This is not a failure of courage. It's a lesson in focus. Peter doesn't sink because the storm grows stronger. He sinks because he switches his focus from God to the things of this world. Fear becomes louder than trust. The storm was always there. What changed was where Peter placed his attention. He cries out, "Lord, save me." And Matthew tells us something essential. Jesus immediately stretches out his hand. Immediately, no delay, no punishment, no conditions. Grace responds faster than fear. Peter got overwhelmed.

We all do from time to time. But it wasn't Peter's lack of faith that caused him to sink. It was his divided attention. Think about that next time you get overwhelmed. Focus on one thing. Focus on the one thing you believe God wants you to focus on in that moment. Do that one thing. No multitasking. Just do the next right thing and allow God to take away that overwhelming feeling. When life feels overwhelming, don't ask for escape. Ask for clarity about the one thing you should focus on in that moment.

Trust, surrender, believe—

Receive.

Your greatest ability is your availability. Let God surprise you.

In today's lesson, Jesus is a mighty source of peace. The storms of life are inevitable, but we are not helpless in the face of their chaos and turmoil. Establish a consistent life of prayer. This habit will give you the presence of mind to focus on Jesus when an unexpected storm strikes at your life. And when that next storm arrives, be still and quiet so that Jesus can speak peace in your life. And today's virtue, peace. The virtue of peace allows us to remain calm in the face of chaos and focused when life seems overwhelming. Peace is a gift from God that can manifest in a myriad of ways internally and externally. Be respectful. Let your language reflect the peace of your soul. Avoid violence. Look for peaceful solutions to problems. If you have not taken The Surrender Assessment today, I'm begging you to take this thing. It's free. Click the button below. Take it today. This thing will just take your spiritual life completely to the next level. It is an extraordinary thing. God bless you. Have a great day and remember, Be Bold, Be Catholic.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.

God of miracles, wonders, and grace.

I thank you for all the good you have done in my life.

For the miracles I recognize.

And the many graces.

I so often overlook.

I open my heart completely to you today.

Inviting you.

To completely inhabit my soul.

So that through me.

Others may encounter your love.

Your mercy.

Your compassion.

Your kindness.

And your staggering generosity.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

Don't let the world steal your wonder. See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow. Have a great day.

Have a great day.