Accept in Faith – Reflection on Matthew 14:22-33
The reality of gifts from God that seem unusual often gives us the most doubt they exist. Sometimes we ignore the possibility, lose track of it, not pray enough to discern, or we might do a trial of a gift. The ones that require effort on our part seem the easiest to abandon. Ah… but is that what we should do? Scripture presents Jesus giving Peter an opportunity at the extraordinary by walking on the water. After several attempts with his lesser faith, Peter permanently accepts Jesus’s offer. Testing the spirit can mean waiting for years to gather enough spiritual acknowledgment to accept in faith that the gift exists. For example, committing to writing a Lectio reflection on the daily scripture reading took me five years to agree to, and it has now been five years that I have been doing so. Prayer can be very helpful regarding when and how you should use it. Like Peter, your doubts about gifts from God can dissipate and be accepted.
Saint Peter Walks on the Sea by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 14:22-33 – Scripture*
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 14:22-33 Reflection – Accept in Faith.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 3 passage.
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Extended Ordinary Time Lectio Divina Scripture Reflections
Matthew 14:22-33 Reflection – Accept in Faith is a Lection Divina Reflection in Ordinary Time.