Christ walk on water

August 3

Gospel

Matthew 14:22-36

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.’

Having made the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the local people recognised him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all that were sick to him, begging him just to let them touch the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were completely cured.

Reflection:

In this Gospel, the disciples are caught in a storm while Jesus is in prayer. When He comes to them, He does not remove the storm immediately but enters into it, bringing His presence and peace. Peter’s walk on water shows that faith allows us to go beyond fear, but doubt causes us to sink. Yet even in Peter’s sinking moment, Jesus immediately reaches out His hand. This passage reminds us that faith is not about never falling, but about trusting Jesus to lift us up when we do.

Reflection Question:

When I face “storms” in my life, do I focus more on the problem or on Jesus who is reaching out to me?

Short Prayer:

Lord Jesus, in moments of fear and uncertainty, help me to keep my eyes on You. Strengthen my faith when I begin to doubt, and lift me up when I feel like I am sinking. Teach me to trust in Your presence even in the storms of life. Amen.

Comments

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