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9 Christ on water

August 9

Gospel
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus walks on the water

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’


Reflection:
In this Gospel, the disciples struggle in a storm while Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Peter steps out in faith, but begins to sink when he focuses on the wind instead of Jesus. Yet even in his fear, Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and saves him. This passage reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear, but the choice to call on Jesus in the middle of it. When we keep our eyes on Him, He strengthens us; when we doubt, He still remains close to rescue us.

Reflection Question:
When I face fear or uncertainty, do I focus more on the “storm” or on Jesus who is reaching out to me?

Short Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I am afraid or overwhelmed, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Strengthen my faith when I begin to doubt, and lift me up when I start to sink. Teach me to trust in Your presence in every storm of my life. Amen.





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