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.” MT 14:22-36
Today’s gospel has several key words that stand out. Pray, doubt, fear, little faith, begged, touched, healed, crowds, and most importantly, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” Sometimes we doubt, live in fear, have little faith. We have inherited a fallen human nature and when we rely on ourselves doubt, fear, and little faith arise. Thomas was not the only doubter. Peter doubted Jesus when the winds became too strong, as we all would, but at least he got out of the boat. We too must get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus each day. These were the men chosen by God to start the living Church and they doubted. We cannot get down on ourselves and give up hope. We must learn and practice trusting God by turning our lives and our wills over to Him. He is always there to reach out and give us a hand. God made us and wants us to gain salvation more than we ourselves. This is what He made us for, to be saints! Stop asking why and believe with your whole heart and soul. What else does Jesus have to do? How many more gospel accounts do we need to read to believe in Jesus? He had crowds following Him, He healed, He tells us over and over again, “Be not afraid.” He is always with us. Doubt and fear creep into our minds when we stop trusting in God. These come from the devil and will destroy us. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” When we are carrying our daily crosses and begin to doubt or have fear, turn to Jesus with the words of Peter, be healed, and always remember, Jesus “truly is the Son of God.” Last, if Jesus prayed alone in the quiet, how much more must we spend time in silence, practicing to be still as a fallen human soul.
“Prayer changes things.”-Peter Kreeft
Become a saint!
Christian YOLO
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