8/8/2023 (Tuesday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 14:22-36

22 Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds.
23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
25 During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.
27 At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
29 He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
33 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
34 After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.
35 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
36 and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

8/8/2023 (Tuesday) Today’s gospel reflection: Matthew 14:22-36

Take Courage and do not be afraid. Jesus has repeated this encouragement very often. To think that the Apostles have been with Jesus for quite some times, that they have witnessed a lot of amazing deeds of Jesus, that they have heard Him many times over teaching and preaching about faith and then, up to this point in their life, they were still of “little faith”. Thanks be to Jesus who remained patient and understanding.

We are like the Apostles. We may have heard and followed Jesus for many years and then, when troubles come, we become terrified and afraid and forget who we are – sons and daughters of the ALMIGHTY and FAITHFUL God. The words almighty and faithful are capitalized to emphasize the kind of Father that we have which we often forget. Yes, we always forget that God is in control and that He never leaves us to fend for ourselves when we are in the midst of powerful storms.

Take Courage and do not be afraid. Let these words of Jesus be inscribed in our door as we get out of our homes and most importantly, let it be written in our heart so that we will always be courageous and not afraid.

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