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.”
Reflection on the Gospel
Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.
Peter had so much trust to get out of the boat and begin to walk on the water.
I think his trust had grown so much as he experienced life with Jesus.
This would be a good time to take some moments to remember times when Peter had to trust Jesus.
Do I have any experiences of trust I can also remember?
Is my trust growing as Peter’s did?
Could I actually step out of the boat and begin to walk on the water?
Saint John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts – Forever.