Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-36
(or Matthew 15: 1-2, 10-14)
August 05, 2025 | 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

This passage’s classic sibling rivalry and bonding could best describe the relationship between Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Moses is depicted as humble, with several scriptural passages to show and testify to this. Moses’ unique status is questioned, even by his family members. However, God has a preference for Moses and shows His presence with him. He talks with God “face to face,” and the rest is in vision and dreams (even with the subsequent patriarchs and prophets, only Moses has this unique relationship with God). The more his authority is established. This significant passage highlighted that despite what his brother and sister did, Moses prayed for them for healing and forgiveness. How many times did we pray for healing and forgiveness, that is, for ourselves and others? Moses shows us an example, even though he holds preeminence in the eyes of God. We must do the same with our brothers and sisters, neighbors, and especially enemies whenever they hurt or offend us.

Saint Augustine illustrates the Church as a pilgrim on a boat (in de beata vita), that is, as a people on a journey or sailing towards the port, our homeland (heaven). She encounters several challenges, including storms, strong waves, and possibly resisting winds. However, she never loses sight of anticipating the port and dock on land. In today’s Gospel, the people of God are equated to a boat with Peter as her head and steersman. As people of God, we have a pivotal role to play while sailing towards the port or homeland. We may doubt and sink due to our leprosy of the heart. But the Lord always offers his guiding hand and welcomes us so we will not sink.

/Vulnerasti, 2025