Gospel Thought for Today
9th August 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede him to the other side,
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 Peter,
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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Beatrice Konsek RIP.
Reflection:
“Truly, you are the Son of God.”, the apostles on the boat said to Jesus after witnessing how He miraculously walked on and hushed the rampaging waters of the sea. Their profession of faith entailed a conversion of heart. Otherwise, following Jesus would be more of a burden than a grace.
“Truly, you are the Son of God.”, we often affirm this truth whenever we recite the Creed every Sunday and holyday of obligation or when we pray the Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Like the apostles, our own profession of faith requires us to walk on a new way. It would not be easy – the apostles and other Christians down the ages suffered persecution and even death. Jesus reassures us, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid”.
• Jesus comes to us in unexpected and ordinary ways. Can you remember one instance that you felt His presence? What was your response?
• Have you experienced being persecuted because of your faith? How did you act on it?
• Aid to the Church in Need (https://acnuk.org/) supports Christians experiencing persecution in countries like Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan. What support can you offer fellow Christians in these countries?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. We acknowledge You as God’s Son. Strengthen us by Your abiding Presence so that we may courageously share the faith You have planted in our hearts. With Mary we make this prayer. Amen.
Fraternally,
Pietro
