GOSPEL READING:
Matthew 14:22-3322 Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." 28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30 but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Meditation: Does the Lord Jesus seem distant when
trials or adversity come your way? It was at Jesus' initiative
that the disciples sailed across the lake, only to find themselves
in a life-threatening storm. Although they were experienced
fishermen, they feared for their lives. While Jesus was not with
them in the boat, he, nonetheless watched for them in prayer. When
he perceived their trouble he came to them on the sea and startled
them with his sudden appearance. Do you look for the Lord's
presence when you encounter difficulty or challenges?
Fight fear with faith
This dramatic incident on the sea of Galilee revealed Peter's
character more fully than others. Here we see Peter's
impulsiveness - his tendency to act without thinking of what he
was doing. He often failed and came to grief as a result of his
impulsiveness. In contrast, Jesus always bade his disciples to see
how difficult it was to follow him before they set out on the way
he taught them. A great deal of failure in the Christian life is
due to acting on impulse and emotional fervor without counting the
cost. Peter, fortunately in the moment of his failure clutched at
Jesus and held him firmly. Every time Peter fell, he rose again.
His failures only made him love the Lord more deeply and trust him
more intently.
The Lord keeps watch over us at all times, and especially in our
moments of temptation and difficulty. Do you rely on the Lord for
his strength and help? Jesus assures us that we have no need of
fear if we trust in Him and in his great love for us. When
calamities or trials threaten to overwhelm you, how do you
respond? With faith and hope in God's love, care and presence with
you?
Lord Jesus, help me to trust you always and to never doubt your presence and your power to help me. In my moments of doubt and weakness, may I cling to you as Peter did. Strengthen my faith that I may walk straight in the path you set before me, neither veering to the left nor to the right.
Psalm 85:8-13
8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
9.Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him, and make his footsteps a way.
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: Welcoming the Lord Jesus with expectant faith and humility, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"While human praise does not tempt the Lord, people are often
ruffled and nearly entranced by human praise and honors in the
church. Peter was afraid on the sea, terrified by the great force
of the storm. Indeed, who does not fear that voice: 'Those who say
you are happy place you in error and disturb the path of your
feet' (Isaiah 3:12 Vulgate translation)? And since
the soul struggles against the desire for human praise, it is good
for it to turn to prayer and petition amid such danger, lest one
who is charmed by praise be overcome by criticism and reproach.
Let Peter, about to sink in the waves, cry out and say, 'Lord,
save me!' The Lord reached out his hand. He chided Peter, saying,
'O man of little faith, why did you doubt?' - that is, why
did you not, gazing straight at the Lord as you approached, pride
yourself only in him? Nevertheless he snatched Peter from the
waves and did not allow him who was declaring his weakness and
asking the Lord for help to perish." (excerpt
from SERMON 75:10)
