You know you need to do something, but you are suddenly distracted. Through your senses, the ordinary things of life can be a distraction; a sound, a smell, light/darkness, something touches you. And what about your own thoughts? Especially the daily news? How many times do you have a thought one moment and a second later you can’t remember the thought…something distracted you.
Just like in daily life, there are distractions that can keep you from the Lord; you try to pray but cannot focus, you are physically at Mass but mentally distracted by something that happened on the way to church. Hebrews, chapter 12, reminds you to “rid yourself of every burden and sin that clings to you and persevere in running the race that lies before you while keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” When distracted by the ordinary things of life, or from personal failures or misgivings, you can lose your gaze on the Lord. Your vision becomes blurred, and you can become more attentive to things of this the world rather than the God who loves you.
KEEP YOUR EYES FIXED ON THE LORD!
Saint Peter is a great example of someone who regularly experiences “blurred vision”. In his profession as fisherman, he must catch fish to make money to feed his family. In one gospel narrative his discouragement is apparent when he comes up empty handed and tired after many hours of fishing. Jesus asks him to “lower his nets”. This is the moment he needs to trust Jesus! (Luke 5:4-5). But Peter, like many of us, is distracted, frustrated, with doubts about things happening in the world.
In another gospel narrative, when Peter and the apostles are in a storm, Jesus commands Peter to walk on the water. (Matthew 14:22-33) Peter begins with trust in his friend, but soon after he steps from the boat he becomes distracted by fear. His vision is again blurred.
But here is the beauty of God’s patience and mercy for us. When Peter is afraid and at his lowest, he meets the gaze of Jesus! In both stories Jesus responds in kindness. In Luke’s Gospel: “Peter, do not be afraid…”, and in Matthew’s Gospel: “Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him…”.
HE WANTS YOU TO TAKE HIS HAND!!
How beautiful is the gaze of Jesus. There is great tenderness in His eyes! Pope Francis says, “Brothers and sisters, let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God!” Listen and find courage in these words spoken so many times in scripture – “Be not Afraid”. When your vision seems blurred, when you have a sleepless night, or when you are caught up in the “stuff” happening in your life, take courage! Do not let these distractions rob you of HIS peace. Put on your safety goggles to protect you from blurred vision and “keep your eyes fixed on Jesus”! Be hopeful, have faith…follow Him.
Here’s what the scriptures have to say:
Hebrews 12:1-2 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.
Luke 5:10-11 – Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men. When they brought their boats on shore, they left everything and followed him.
1 Peter 3:13-22 – Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope but do it with gentleness and reverence keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.