TUESDAY OF THE EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, AUGUST 02, 2022

MASS READINGS

A Gospel according to MT 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.” 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

"Jesus made the disciples get into a boat."

Before all the miracles listed on this passage of the scripture, Jesus takes His disciples by themselves in a boat. And then He goes out to the mountain to pray.

In this society where we are always busy, finding time to pray becomes a true choice. Carving that time to spend alone with the Lord is truly an intentional act.

And even during prayer, fighting the urge to be aware of this moment with Our Lord is very difficult. Many times I find myself thinking about the chores that need to be done immediately after prayer. Or a song pops into my head in the middle of the rosary. Or I get distracted by what the person in front of me is wearing during Mass. And sometimes, I am simply too tired, and fall asleep...

And I wonder if I upset God with my daydreaming, with the worries of the day. Or if this is something that is expected of human nature, and what I have to do is get back to what I was doing (praying), and not spend too much time wandering around.

And how can I avoid that wandering? Maybe take smaller tasks next time. Smaller prayers I can actually accomplish. So not only I am present, but also truly present in that dialog with Our Lord.

Let's pray to the Holy Spirit so He can help us be more attentive during prayer, and at all times to His will.

God bless y'all!