Staying focussed

Today, Fr. John Baptist Kwan co-celebrated the 11 a.m. Mass with a visiting Chinese priest who is on his way to Manila to further his theological training. Fr. John Kwan is a very experienced pastor. To warm up, he casually touched on the Beijing Olympic Games and how the athletes went through tough trainings etc. He believes that the key to the successes of the athletes is their ability to stay focussed.
As Christians, we believe in one true God. Yet, all of us have different perceptions of our God. Unfortunately, a wrong perception would only lead us to disasters. The first reading today came from 1 Kings. It talks about the epiphany of God to Elijah. God appeared to Elijah in Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8-14).
Since God is almighty. We expect Him to be powerful, mighty and decorated with wonders of all sorts. Yet, the story tells us that God was not in the strong wind that rented the mountains, not in an earthquake, nor in a great fire. God was in a still voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). The story of Elijah tells us that God is found in where He is least expected. Similarly, when the Messiah was born, who could have imagined that he was to be found in a manger? When Jesus began his ministry, who could have thought that the son of a carpenter was the Messiah? However, a wrong perception is not simply a hit or a miss. It could be life-threatening as the Matthean story of Jesus' walking on the water testifies.
The Matthean version includes some interesting details not found in Mark. It tells us how Peter, knowing that it was Jesus walking on the water, attempted to walk from the boat to Jesus over the water.
And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water."
He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; (Matthew 14:28-29).
Now, what prompted Peter to risk his life, to put himself in such a precarious situation? Peter was a seasoned fisherman. He should know better than anyone else the perils at sea. Why then did he take such a stupid action?
This incident happened just after the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. As a true believer and a true disciple, of course Peter would want to do what his master had done. What's more, Jesus bid him go. Therefore, it was not a 'mistake' to walk on the water to Jesus. That is to say, Peter would have been successful and made a name in history to be the first man to walk on the water. (Though Jesus is truly a man, he is too special for us to count him in the Guinness World Records.)
Fr. John Kwan explained that Peter failed because he did not focus on Jesus. How can we guarantee that we do not misunderstand God? We have to stay focussed on Jesus. Only then can our perception be purified. Only then will we not be distracted from worldly worries. Had Peter focussed on Jesus, he would not have been distracted by the winds and waves. He would have succeeded.
but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." (Matthew 14:30)
On the contrary, Jesus was able to focus exclusively on God. Therefore, he was able to reject the mob's attempt to crown him king after the miracle (Matthew 14:22). Moreover, he stayed tuned to God's will all the time through prayers (Matthew 14:23).
In conclusion, Fr. Kwan urged the congregation to stay focussed on Jesus through bible study and prayers.

My dear Advocate, many times we impose our wills on You instead of seeking Your will. May we always stay tuned to Your will. Amen.