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.
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Reflection:
How’s
your faith in Jesus?
There’s a
contrast of faith in the gospel between Peter whose lack of faith is very
evident and the strong faith of the people who wanted to touch the tassel of
the cloak of Jesus.
Like
Thomas who did not believe that Jesus has indeed risen. Peter was also lacking in faith, but initially
Peter had faith since he was able to walk a few steps on water. It was when he
felt the strong wind that his faith began to wane, thus he began to sink
(Matthew 14:30).
So, Peter
cried out: “Lord, save me!” and Jesus said to him: “O you of little faith, why
did you doubt (Matthew 14:31)?” Our doubts and lack of faith creates a wall
amongst us and Jesus and if we are not careful this will slowly but surely eat
away our faith.
What is
the cure for this eroding faith in Jesus? Prayers, Faithful and Pious
attendance at Holy Mass and frequent and humble submission to the Sacraments of
Holy Communion and Reconciliation.
How’s
your faith in Jesus? – Marino J.
Dasmarinas
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