This past week at Camp Emmaus was truly a time of joy and prayer. The lively faith of the youth of the San Diego Diocese has truly captured my heart and my own faith. I could not believe how these kids truly know themselves and know that they love God beyond all measure. A particular profound experience for me was spending time with the youth in small groups. It was in the small groups that I witnessed a young man speak about his own struggles and sufferings. To see this boy share his suffering broadened the scope of my vision to see that these kinds love with a real love, a love purified through the suffering of their crosses. How ineffable is the love of the cross! It is more real and more tangible than anything we shall ever come to know and I thank the youth of San Diego for allowing me to encounter the Lord and truly feel his spirit living within you all. What a gift it was for me!
The past week was a very prayerful time for me. The beauty of the mountains, the rich sunsets and the open star-filled sky simply drew me into the quiet of contemplation. One day I had been contemplating Peter's jump out of the boat and onto the water, his test of faith. When Father Rob preached in this gospel, the spirit of the Lord enlightened my mind and I realized that everything I had been going through was exactly like Peter in this test of faith. I too, took a leap of faith out of the boat after the command of the Lord and felt tossed by the storms of my own discernment of God's will. Jesus spoke to my heart once again and said,
" Keep your eyes on me dear one. Do no be afraid of the uncertainty that lies beneath and before you. Know that I am here and I will never take my eyes away from you. Keep your eyes fixed on me, the one who loves you and I will lead you to your greatest joy."
