Gift of Faith – Reflection on Matthew 14:22-36
Sometimes we ignore, abandon, or doubt our gifts from God that do not seem to fit who we think we are. Ah… but doesn’t Jesus give Saint Peter multiple opportunities similar to walking on water? The gift of faith seemed elusive for Saint Peter. However, in an ultimate gift of forgiveness, after denying Him, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me.” With Saint Peter’s yes, he becomes the rock and example, establishing many miracles. Jesus’s offers are subtle, but more than likely, it has taken multiple attempts to get out of the boat. Perhaps, it is time to accept the full depth of the gift of faith and the challenges that go with it.
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 14:22-36 – 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.”
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret
34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, 36 and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 14:22-36 Reflection – The Gift of Faith.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the Matthew 14 Bible passage.
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