Monday 3 August 2020

Today is Monday the 3 August in the 18th week of Ordinary Time.

Salt of the Sound sing, ‘Dwell Among Us’.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 14:22 - 33

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’  When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’  

After feeding a crowd of 5,000 Jesus manages to dismiss them all and escape to the hills. Later that night he walks on water.  That crowd would have been difficult to escape from given what had just happened...can you imagine how Jesus might have sent them away? 

Have you ever felt battered by the waves with the wind against you? How is Jesus saying these words to you: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 

As you listen again you might like to consider the deeper symbolic meaning of the events recorded here. 

Where is your life stormy?  What do you need to help you walk on those waters? Ask Jesus for what you need.