Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Matthew 14:22-33
Reflection:
Our gospel for today is from Matthew 14:22-33 which reminds us about FAITH. The gospel recounts the remarkable story of Jesus walking on water and Peter’s attempt to do the same. The gospel holds profound insights that resonate with our own journeys of faith. It is most likely how we face the challenges in life.
Matthew 14:22-33 tells us Peter’s boldness in asking to walk on water with Jesus. His initial steps showed us the potential of audacious faith. When he focuses on Jesus, he defies the laws of nature. Yet, as he begins to doubt and fixate on the raging sea, he begins to sink. This mirrors our own struggles when we let fear and doubt overshadow our faith. We tend to fear too much how we deal with our own lives forgetting that God is there for us.
Matthew 14:22-33 teaches us about the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus. When Peter took his gaze off Christ and focused on the storm, he faltered. When we shift our focus away from Jesus our faith wavers. But by fixing our eyes on Him, we find stability and courage to navigate through life’s storms.
In our daily lives, we too should step out of our comfort zones and take bold steps of faith. Matthew 14:22-33 encourages us to embrace uncertainty with trust in God’s power. As Jesus reached out to Peter in his moment of doubt, He is ready to lift us up when our faith wavers.
Our faith in God should be as strong as the hardest tree not getting swept by strong winds. If life is difficult, trust in Him and all you will see is a vast world ahead full of hope. In Him alone is our hope, our strength and our Faith. Faith is what will keep us going in life. – Clea | Helpline PH
