Reflection for August 5 Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:22-36

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:

Have you ever paused and asked yourself, “Do I truly make time to deepen my friendship with God?” 

Jesus did. He always made it a point to withdraw from the crowd, to be alone in silence and prayer, communing with His Heavenly Father. Prayer was His lifeline. It was His source of strength, His spiritual nourishment. It was in those quiet moments with God that He drew the courage to embrace His painful mission of salvation—for you and for me. 

In our fast-paced, noisy world—one often ruled by selfish pleasures and relentless material pursuits—how easy it is to push God aside. We rush through our days with barely a whisper of prayer, and even less time to read the Gospels and reflect on the life of our Lord Jesus. 

Why does this happen? 

Because we allow the noise of this fleeting world to drown out the gentle voice of God. We find time to reconnect with friends and relatives. We spend hours scrolling through Facebook and other social media platforms. Yet when it comes to spending even a few quiet minutes with the Lord, we often say, “I’m too busy.” 

But if we can make time for the world, why can’t we make time for the One who created the world? 

Let us not forget: everything we have—our health, our family, our career, even our very breath—is a gift from God. Many may not acknowledge this truth, but it is God, and God alone, who is the author and sustainer of our lives. 

What if, in a moment we least expect, our life on earth comes to an end? What if we die without ever having cultivated a real friendship with Jesus? Would our souls be ready to meet Him? Or would the enemy—always lurking, always waiting—seize the chance to snatch us away from His light? 

But if we walk closely with Jesus now, if we speak to Him daily in prayer, it becomes far more difficult for the devil to deceive us. When Christ is the center of our lives, we are strengthened against temptation and darkness. 

You have to make time for God. Even just a few moments each day. Sit with the Lord. Speak to Him. Listen in silence. Offer your heart. This daily “quiet time” may be short, but it can transform your soul. It is in those sacred moments that grace flows, peace enters, and love grows. 

The Lord waits for you—not with judgment, but with arms wide open, longing for your presence. Come to Him. Make Him your priority. Deepen your friendship with the One who has loved you since before you were born. 

Let your life be a living prayer. —Marino J. Dasmarinas