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 priests and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood.
"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you ..."
What an incredible prayer! Today in the Church is the Memorial of St. John Vianney, patron of diocesan priests. In this Year of Priests, given to us through Pope Benedict, it is a blessing to pray for holy vocations to the priesthood. It is good to pray that more men may say, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You ..."
I say this and I think of my own state in life. I have talked to the vocations director, as well as other priests. I have been on two potential seminarian retreats. During the retreats, they handed out sheets of paper of a few quotes from scripture on the times the phrase "do not be afraid" appears.
Let us pray for those who are called, that they may respond, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You." Let us pray that they may be guarded from any fears that may "drown" out God's sweet invitation.
Take care and God Bless.
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