August 7, 2018

Gospel: Mt 14:22-36* (or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14)
Immediately, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowd away. And having sent the people away, he went up the mountain by himself, to pray. At nightfall, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was very far from land, dangerously rocked by the waves, for the wind was against it. At daybreak, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When they saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. And they cried out in fear. But at once, Jesus said to them, “Courage! Don’t be afraid. It’s me!” Peter answered, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said to him, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water to go to Jesus. But seeing the strong wind, he was afraid, and began to sink; and he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of him, saying, “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?” As they got into the boat, the wind dropped. Then those in the boat bowed down before Jesus, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God!” They came ashore at Gennesaret. The local people recognized Jesus and spread the news throughout the region. So they brought to him all the sick people, begging him to let them touch just the hem of his cloak. All who touched it became perfectly well.

Reflections
They brought to him all the sick people The feeding of the five thousand and the walking on water both take place shortly after Jesus learns about the beheading of John the Baptist. Distraught by the news, he begs off from healing that day and crosses the lake by himself. Upon seeing the vast crowd, he is moved with pity, sets aside his own need to grieve and cures the sick. Similarly that eve, he sets aside his time alone with Abba in order to rescue his disciples caught in a storm in the lake. Lord, may we think of others before ourselves as you did.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018