Justa Journey

Who’s walking with me?

In my office is a picture of Jesus walking with his disciples. I often look at that scene and contemplate where I would be in that scene today. Who would I be talking to? As I contemplated, I realized I could have my treasured saints (friends) with whom I could walk with in prayer. It didn’t take long for fourteen to be listed: Jesus, Justa, Peter, St Dismis, Judas (yes Judas), Dad, Mom, Grandma Jo, Sister Ernestine, Fr John Marcoe, Dr Burke, St Dymphna, Judy, and Tallulah (a wise old ewe)

Conversations on the Way

I am writing down some of my conversations with my friends who walk on the path with me. My brilliant friend, Jesus, has always been with us. Today, we are

joined by my two BFFs, Justa and Peter. These two saints are close to my heart: Justa, the Syrophoenician woman, and the Apostle Peter, our first Pope

Me: “Peter, I saw you walk on water toward Jesus; what happened?

Peter: ”How did you see me?”

Me: “I was in a boat nearby.”

Jesus: “ True, I put her there.”

Justa: “Why did you put her in a boat?”

Jesus: “That’s a story for another time. Let’s allow Peter to answer the question.”

Peter: “Well, JoJo, as you would know, it was dark, and the waters were rough that night. It was scary. In the boat, we were struggling, and suddenly, we saw something bright in the water a short distance away. I think it was John who said, it’s the Lord. Without thinking, I just got out of the boat and started walking toward him.”

Me: ”But something happened. Can you talk about that?”

Peter: “I tell this story with deep humility because it’s a story of unbelief. As I saw our Lord, I saw nothing but him as I walked toward him. Then, a splash of

water hit my face, and I realized I was on water. I got scared and sank; I failed to believe that all things are possible with God, even walking on water. As I went underwater, I raised my hand and prayed, ‘Lord help my unbelief.” In that instant, he reached down, grabbed my hand, and pulled me to him. His love saved me. The answer to your question, I stopped believing. It can happen if we cling to what is not of God. When you see him, don’t look away; he’s real.

Jesus: “Let’s pray, friends, Father, hold us close and keep our hearts turned toward you.” Amen

Me, Justa, and Peter,(as we turn to him) “Amen”