Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

READINGS

Gospel 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.

REFLECTION

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Is what we fear real or imagined?

I have a fear of heights. There is a popular place in the Grand Canyon that is called the "Skybridge." It is a bridge that overhangs a cliff projecting over the canyon. The bridge is made of a glass-like material. Walking on it provides a breathtaking experience and view of the canyon when you look down. I was with a group of people who wanted to walk over it. I was extremely anxious. My imagination took over and I feared that I might "freeze" and would not be able to move, then I would be stuck on the bridge. But my friend said that they would hold my hand and help me walk on the Skybridge. I agreed. We walked slowly together while holding hands. I was able to keep walking and even able to look down despite my racing heartbeat and queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. The only reason I was able to overcome my fear because I trusted my friend.

In the Gospel, Peter and the apostles are in a boat during a storm on the Sea of Galilee. They experience fear of the storm and the figure walking on the water toward them. Jesus tells them not to fear; it is Him. Not sure Peter believes his senses, he asks, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Jesus replied, "Come." Peter began to walk on the water, but then the reality of the wind and the waves overcame his trust in the Lord, then he began to sink. Jesus saves him, but rebukes him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

F.A.I.T.H. is Father All Into Thy Hands.*

Are we willing to let go of our fears and trust in God? Are we willing to trust in God no matter what our senses lead us to believe?

Let us pray that God gives us the gift of Faith. Let us pray the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

References

• PAPA Handbook - acronyms FAITH .