There was a house fire. A little child was at the window on the top floor. The fire brigade man held a safety net, and shouted to the child to jump to safety. The child said ‘’I am afraid. I can’t see you. The fireman said ...It’s o.k. I can see you...Jump. In to-days story Peter shows great heart. Jesus tells him to jump into the water. He jumps, and begins to sink. But Jesus stretches out His Hand to hold him safe. How often we get a sinking feeling, when someone dies, when someone is ill, when a relationship is broken off, when business collapses, when we are weary with disappointments. It takes courage to see The Hand of God in all this. Yet, Jesus has promised to be with us, to get through every difficulty in life, State or Church. We light a candle, say a prayer at heart, give a helping hand, and trust in God. The Famous Cross of the Scriptures, in Clonmacnoise, shows The Right Hand of God, hidden under the arm of The Cross. All the events and happenings on the Cross are under the care and compassionate Hand of The Loving Father.

Liam Hickey, St.Ciarans, Hartstown, Dublin 15.