13 August, 2023 | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Mt 14:22-33

Gospel Text:

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat

and precede him to the other side,

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 Peter,

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."

Reflections: 

Jesus constantly remained in touch with his heavenly Father. After dismissing the crowd he secludes himself to pray on the mountain. His relationship with the Father was so strong that He communed with the Father in in all situations of life. However busy or involved in our work we may be, we must feel the need to spend time in prayer and communion with the Lord. The spiritual life gives us grace and strength in everything we do. Our life must remain anchored on God. However big problems and difficulties we face, we will have grace and strength to go through it. We can do nothing on our own.

Activity: 

 Spend time in prayer.