Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Amid Life's Storms
Summary
The sermon begins with a reflection on the biblical account of Jesus feeding the multitude and walking on water, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. The congregation is reminded of the disciples' fear during the storm and Jesus' miraculous intervention, which leads to their worship of Him as the Son of God. The speaker draws a parallel between the disciples' experience and the Christian journey, emphasizing the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus amidst life's challenges.
The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the sermon's themes. They recount turning down invitations to parties in high school, realizing that their popularity was due to having a car, and the importance of making difficult choices to follow Christ faithfully. They also share a childhood incident of nearly drowning in a swimming pool, which serves as a metaphor for the need for Jesus as a savior. The speaker reflects on their call to priesthood and the realization that they could not save themselves, highlighting the transformative power of recognizing one's need for Christ.
The sermon also honors the memory of early Christian martyrs and confessors, such as Father Calciu and Pastor Wurmbrand, who exemplified faithfulness to God through their actions in the face of persecution. The speaker encourages the congregation to emulate their courage and steadfastness in their own lives.
The congregation participates in an act of spiritual communion, offering prayers for the departed and seeking God's mercy and peace. The speaker leads the congregation in acknowledging their sins and seeking forgiveness, invoking the protection of the apostles Peter and Paul, and expressing gratitude for the gift of the Mass.
The sermon concludes with a call to fix our eyes on God, trusting in His plan and grace to endure life's storms. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the apostles' teachings and the role of shepherds in guiding the flock, acknowledging the presence of angels and archangels in worship.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of Jesus walking on water and calming the storm serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. Just as Peter was able to walk on water when he kept his eyes on Jesus, we too can navigate life's challenges by focusing on Christ. This teaches us that faith in Jesus can empower us to do the seemingly impossible, even when fear and doubt surround us. [07:52]
- Personal testimonies are a compelling way to connect scriptural truths to everyday life. The speaker's experiences of resisting peer pressure and recognizing their need for a savior illustrate the transformative impact of living a Christ-centered life. These stories remind us that our past does not define us; rather, it is our ongoing relationship with Jesus that shapes who we are and who we become. [11:38]
- The legacy of the martyrs and confessors is a testament to the power of faith in action. Their willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the impact of our choices. In moments of trial, our actions reveal the depth of our commitment to Christ and the strength of our faith. [14:28]
- The practice of spiritual communion and the act of contrition are essential components of a vibrant faith. By acknowledging our sins and seeking God's mercy, we open ourselves to the transformative grace that comes from a sincere heart. This humility before God is a crucial step in growing closer to Him and experiencing the fullness of His love. [25:53]
- The role of shepherds in the Church is not only historical but also a present reality. As the apostles Peter and Paul were appointed to guide the early Church, today's leaders are called to protect and nurture the flock. This continuity of pastoral care is a reminder of God's faithfulness in providing for His people through every generation. [17:54]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water
2. Acts 28:11-16, 30-31 - Paul's Journey to Rome
3. Psalm 98:1-4 - A Song of Praise
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus walking on water, and how did Jesus respond to their fear? ([07:07])
2. How did Peter's experience of walking on water change when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the wind and waves? ([14:28])
3. What personal anecdotes did the speaker share to illustrate the need for Jesus as a savior? ([08:38])
4. How did the early Christian martyrs and confessors, such as Father Calciu and Pastor Wurmbrand, demonstrate their faith? ([13:07])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Peter's initial success and subsequent failure in walking on water teach us about the nature of faith and doubt? ([14:28])
2. How do the personal stories shared by the speaker help to connect the biblical truths to everyday life? ([08:38])
3. In what ways do the actions of early Christian martyrs challenge modern Christians to consider the cost of discipleship? ([13:07])
4. How does the practice of spiritual communion and the act of contrition contribute to a vibrant faith according to the sermon? ([25:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How did focusing on Jesus help you navigate through that period? If you struggled to keep your focus on Him, what can you do differently next time? ([15:15])
2. The speaker shared a story about turning down invitations to parties in high school. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice to follow Christ faithfully? What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey? ([11:38])
3. The legacy of martyrs and confessors is a testament to faith in action. How can you demonstrate courage and steadfastness in your own life, especially in the face of trials? ([13:07])
4. During the sermon, the congregation participated in an act of spiritual communion. How can you incorporate regular acts of contrition and seeking God's mercy into your daily routine? ([25:53])
5. The speaker emphasized the importance of the apostles' teachings and the role of shepherds in guiding the flock. How can you support and encourage your church leaders in their mission to guide the congregation? ([17:54])
6. Think about a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction and keep your eyes fixed on Him? ([14:28])
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing our need for a savior. How can you share your personal testimony of faith with someone who may not yet realize their need for Jesus? ([10:55])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Amidst the Storms
When life's tempests rage, keeping our gaze on Christ steadies our walk on tumultuous waters. Like Peter, our faith in Jesus allows us to face the impossible, finding peace where there is fear and strength where there is weakness. [07:52]
Matthew 14:29-31 - "He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced fear or doubt recently, and how can you intentionally focus on Jesus to navigate these challenges?
Day 2: Transformation Through Christ
Embracing a Christ-centered life leads to profound personal transformation, steering us away from worldly pressures and towards our true purpose. Our past does not define us; it is our relationship with Jesus that molds our identity and destiny. [11:38]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you might be succumbing to peer pressure? How can you assert your faith in Christ to make choices that align with your Christian values?
Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship
The sacrifices of early martyrs underscore the profound impact of living out one's faith, even to the point of suffering. Their legacy challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment to the Gospel. [14:28]
Hebrews 13:7 - "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the example of the martyrs to strengthen your faith in times of trial?
Day 4: Humility Before God
Acknowledging our sins and seeking God's mercy are acts of humility that draw us closer to His transformative grace. This contrition is a vital step in our spiritual growth and in experiencing the fullness of God's love. [25:53]
Psalm 51:17 - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you need to seek forgiveness? How can you approach God with a contrite heart today?
Day 5: Shepherding the Flock
The continuity of pastoral care from the apostles to today's church leaders reflects God's enduring provision for His people. As shepherds guide their flock, we are reminded of the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance. [17:54]
1 Peter 5:2-3 - "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: How do you perceive the role of church leaders in your spiritual journey? In what ways can you support and uphold the shepherds of your church community?
Quotes
"When St. Peter asked Jesus to call him out of the boat to walk on water, he miraculously began walking on the water, as long as his eyes were fixed on Jesus. But the moment he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to be distracted, he began to sink." [14:28] (Download)
"Instead of removing all of our life's challenges and struggles, God gives us the ability to withstand the storms and troubles of life." [15:15] (Download)
"Know that whatever you're going through God is with you, He's journeying with you. Instead of focusing on your struggles and challenges, fix your eyes on God." [15:59] (Download)
"For you, eternal shepherd, do not desert your flock. But through the blessed apostles watch over it and protect it always so that it may be governed by those you have appointed shepherds to lead it in the name of your Son." [18:32] (Download)
"May your people, we pray, O Lord, nourished by the bread of Heaven, rejoice in commemorating the apostles Peter and Paul, for it is through your gift that we are governed under their patronage." [27:34] (Download)
"Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your Apostles, 'Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins but on the faith of your church and graciously grant through peace and unity in accordance with your will.'" [25:11] (Download)
"Doing the right thing isn't always the easiest thing to do. Doing the right thing is often the hardest thing to do, and the most costly thing to do. Our faith often calls us to action, we have to start making changes in order to become Christ's faithful disciples." [12:20] (Download)
"There are two kinds of Christians, those who sincerely believe in God, and those who just as sincerely believe that they believe. You can tell them apart by their actions in decisive moments." [13:47] (Download)
"I knew I couldn't pull myself out of the trouble I was in, I needed a savior." [11:38] (Download)
"Defend your church, O Lord, by the protection of the holy apostles, that as she received from them the beginnings of her knowledge of things divine, so through them she may receive even to the end of the world an increase in heavenly grace." [01:48] (Download)
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