Today’s Reflection
Gospel: 14: 22-36
August 8, 2023 | Tuesday

Today’s Gospel

Immediately, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowd away.

And having sent the people away, he went up the mountain by himself, to pray. At nightfall, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was very far from land, dangerously rocked by the waves, for the wind was against it. At daybreak, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When they saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. And they cried out in fear. But at once, Jesus said to them, “Courage! Don’t be afraid. It’s me!” Peter answered, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

Jesus said to him, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water to go to Jesus. But seeing the strong wind, he was afraid, and began to sink; and he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of him, saying, “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?”

As they got into the boat, the wind dropped. Then those in the boat bowed down before Jesus, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God!”

They came ashore at Gennesaret. The local people recognized Jesus and spread the news throughout the region. So they brought to him all the sick people, begging him to let them touch just the hem of his cloak. All who touched it became perfectly well.

Today’s Reflection:

The gospel story connects the relationship of prayer and faith when faced with the world’s waves of problems and challenges. Jesus’ life is filled with prayer which may lead us to wonder, “Well, He’s God, what he should be praying for?” Jesus prays not to change the plans, of His Father, but rather, He prays because He wants to demonstrate to us that relationship requires dialog. Just as Jesus prays to show His obedience and faithfulness to the Father, it is then all the more required of us. We do not pray to impose our will on the Father. But we pray to know more profoundly the Father’s heart. Faith then comes in because that is the basis of our relationship. The more we pray, the better our lives are connected to Him. And so, the less we may become too doubtful in the midst of all waves clashing against us and so liken ourselves to the sinking Peter. /Vulnerasti, 2023