August 13, 2017 — Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 KGS 19: 9A, 11-13A; PS 85: 9-14; ROM 9: 1-5; MT 14: 22-33
In today’s Gospel from the Book of Matthew, we hear the remarkable story of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee. St. Peter reflects his faith in the Lord when he says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says simply, “Come.” We do not know if Peter stepped into the water or jumped and it does not matter. His faith and trust in the Lord allows Peter, too, to begin to walk on the water. Clearly when Peter’s focus is on Christ, he is able to accomplish this.
However, when Peter loses his focus and begins to observe and think about the storm raging around him, he begins to sink. To Peter’s credit he knows exactly to Whom to turn in that situation. “Lord, save me.” We may often find ourselves in similar circumstances. Peter knew exactly Who to call out to at the moment of crisis. We may do the same.
God truly loves us; we are His children. Listen to the Word of the Lord in Psalm 91: “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
St. Francis de Sales wrote, “Either God will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then; put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”
