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:
Do you
have a diminishing faith?
The
gospel for today introduces us to a disciple who has diminishing faith. That
disciple is Peter; he wanted to go to Jesus and walk on water as well. He was
actually able to do it but after a few moments he started to sink because he
lacked faith. What prompted Peter to doubt? It was the big waves that were
coming onto him.
On the
latter part of the gospel we also see the huge faith of the people of
Gennesaret. After hearing of the information that Jesus is in their town they
brought all of their sick to HIM. Jesus never failed them; all of their sick
were cured.
If we
would reflect deeply on the gospel today; we may see ourselves in the person of
Peter whose faith is diminishing. We may also see ourselves as one of the
nameless people of Gennesaret who never wavered on their faith in Jesus. We
need to have faith in the midst of the many problems that threatens us everyday
otherwise we may end up like Peter who was nearly swallowed by the sea.
If your
faith is diminishing humbly ask the Good Lord to increase your faith for He doesn’t
fail anyone who humbly ask for His help. -
Marino J. Dasmarinas
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