Matthew 14:22-36
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.
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for those who are unemployed, that God may provide for their needs.
Something that has frightened me, especially over the past few months, has been will I be able to pay the bills at the middle and the end of the month.
It has been a great exercise in faith and humility.
That's this minute. If you were to ask me the majority of the time, I would say that it was a time when I could really relate to what Peter went through in today's reading. For the most part, I was distracted by the fears, and when I did have sense to turn to Our Lord, I sounded more like the bad thief on the cross during Our Lord's Passion.
I am reminded more and more everyday of my need for Jesus' help in order to walk toward Him. Peter didn't walk on water through his own will. Jesus willed it. Jesus called Peter to walk toward Him, and He was there to help him when his fears got the best of him.
We all have things in our lives that concern us. Look at it as an opportunity to have faith in Jesus so that we can call to Him in our need. If you have to call to Jesus today in your need, rejoice! Take care and God Bless.
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