The first reading and gospel recount respectively Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Horeb and Peter’s encounter with Jesus on the Lake of Galilee. The incident on the lake revealed how Peter's impulsive personality landed him into trouble. He would have drowned if Jesus was not there to save him. A great deal of failures in the Christian life could be due to acting on impulse and emotional fervor without counting the cost. Peter, was fortunate Jesus was nearby and rescued him when he cried out for help. Thus, every time Peter fell and rose again, his failures only made him love and trust the Lord more deeply. The Lord also keeps watch over us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty. However, we must count the cost of discipleship before making any decision to follow the Lord. To be faithful to our decision to serve the Lord all the days of our life, we must rely on him for strength and help at all times. Jesus assures us that we do not need to be afraid when calamities or trials threaten to overwhelm us; like Peter, we should cry out to him, and he will always be right there to rescue us.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to realise that you are always with me even in my greatest moments of fears. Amen.