>>All of us have our foundational beliefs, statements, what we believe about life and how life can best be lived. One of my foundational beliefs about life has to do with trust and with love. I say this to folks all the time in the parish. Certainly, as I’m preparing young couples to get married.  

Do you trust? Do you trust each other? I think trust is really the foundation of life. You can’t love until you trust. Trusting gives us the ability to love and to make commitments. Do you trust yourself? Do you trust others? Do you trust in God? Do you trust in life itself? Trust is foundational.  

I really come to learn that lesson during my 30 plus years here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. I see so many young people come through the doors, come to live with us. And almost every single one of them, their trust has been violated. Their trust has been broken. And so when they come to us, what we have to do is we have to show them what a trusting, loving relationship is all about.  

To rebuild a sense of trust. To trust themselves. And to trust others. To trust Mercy Home. And certainly, to trust in God. It’s a difficult task, as you can imagine. Jesus in the Gospel today invites Peter to come to walk on water. And Peter trusts the invitation and goes to Jesus. When he begins to doubt and fear takes over. He begins to sink, but he’s uplifted once again by the presence of Christ in this life.  

As we gather to celebrate Eucharist today, to give thanks and to praise God, I ask that you reflect on that fundamental question. Do you trust yourself and others? Do you trust in God? Do you trust in life? And does that trust that relationship that you have with the Lord? Does it enhance your life? Does it make your life better in teaching, loving relationships?