Gospel Thought for Today
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Fr John has asked me to write the reflections for the rest of this month while he is away. Together, let us read, reflect, and act on God’s Word!
3rd August Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36
Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede him to the other side of the sea,
while he dismissed the crowds.
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them, walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.
“It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter said to him in reply,
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come.”
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him,
and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
“Truly, you are the Son of God.”
After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.
When the men of that place recognized him,
they sent word to all the surrounding country.
People brought to him all those who were sick
and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak,
and as many as touched it were healed.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Tom Stanley RIP.
Reflection:
To be sure that it was Jesus walking on water, Peter asked the Lord if he could approach Him. Then fright took hold of this apostle. Sinking, he cried out “Lord, save me!”.
How many of us could easily relate with Peter?
In our search for God – through prayer, Bible reading, works of charity, service to the community, etc. – we often find ourselves in the middle of a storm. Tossed by the waves and winds of life, our vision of the Lord becomes obscure. Overcome with fear, we start to sink.
• If Jesus says to you “Come”, what would be your initial response?
• What prevents you from approaching Jesus? Is it your sins? A vice or a habit you cannot give up? Your circle of friends? Or your belief that you are unworthy?
• Whatever is pulling you down, have faith in Jesus.
Lord, thank You for Your Word today. Despite my fears, I come to You crying out like Peter: “Lord, save me!”. Save me from what hinders me in recognizing and following You. Amen.
Fraternally,
Pietro
