top of page
Olivia M. Bannan

Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time August 7, 2018


A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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 off shore, 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.

The Gospel of the Lord Praise be to you Lord Jesus Chirst.

REFLECTIONS: Many times we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone . We are told to do something by God, and at the fourth watch of the night-- 3 AM--the desolation, the fear, our weakness , the darkness overcomes us. How many of us are awakened at 3 am with a desire to pray for someone? What has Jesus taught us?--we need to find a quiet place and pray --about all our decisions and in the midst of our storms. STOP AND PRAY. As soon as Peter cried out for help, Jesus stretched out his hand IMMEDIATELY. The timing was perfect, was it not? Jesus knew what was to happen on the boat, but he needed time with his Father. We, too, need time with our Father, amidst the distractions, and work and the noise of the world. Don't let family, friends,and work keep you away from talking with God. Seek Jesus and he will reach out immediately upon hearing your voice calling out for him. Set aside time for prayer--even if you can't make it to church, say the Morning prayers . Go to mass and if not able make a spiritual communion, say the rosary and at 3 pm the Divine Mercy. Most important of all, do not begin any task without a Hail Mary and a Glory Be offering up all our work for God's glory. Work can even be a prayerful time! We can say the Dekaena every day--it is so beautiful and powerful.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord, we pray for our priests who show us how to pray and how to always put God first over all. Help the priests be more pious . Help and guide the priests to show others the way to you. Amen.

Please visit our website papafoundation.net


PAPA Foundation
bottom of page