The fears shown by the disciples and Peter reveal a common human experience. How we face our fears – through our values and our faith – empowers us to live our lives with conviction and power.
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Daily Mass: Growing in grace and flourishing in faith. Catholic Inspiration
As the disciples struggle to cast out a demon from a small child, the Lord reminds them that all things are possible if we have a flourishing faith in the Him.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 18th Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: We take up the Cross of Christ. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus teaches us that the path to eternal life requires us to take up our cross. During our lives we will make countless offerings to the Lord, and through these sacrifices we will experience the triumph of the Cross of Christ.
Readings – Friday of the 18th Week of the Year
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The Transfiguration of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
Peter, James and John see Jesus in a moment of dazzling glory as the Lord prepares to journey on to Jerusalem for his Passion on the Cross. In our tough times may the Lord’s light shine on our hearts to encourage us to stay the course.
Mass Readings – The Transfiguration of the Lord
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Daily Mass: An example of persistent faith. Catholic Inspiration
A mother repeatedly calls out to Jesus to cure her daughter from a demon. She is not Jewish and does not share the same cultural heritage, but the Lord heals her girl because of the persistent strength of her faith.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 18th Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: An insight from the prophet Jeremiah. Catholic Inspiration
The prophet Jeremiah states with blunt truthfulness the situation of the people of Israel, and at the same time shows them hope through the saving power of God.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 18th Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: Finding our courage in the midst of the storm. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus reveals his power to the disciples in the midst of a storm, inviting us to call upon Him in our need as well.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 18th Week of the Year
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19th Sunday of the Year: Will we walk on the water with the Lord?
Study: Recall a moment in life when you were doubtful or afraid. How did you face it?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the strength and wisdom to face doubts and fears.
Serve: Is there someone in your life who is struggling with doubts or fears? How might you help them?
19th Sunday of the Year Readings
This Gospel story (Matthew 14:22-33) follows immediately after the reading from last week. Here’s a quick recap:
* Jesus hears of the death of John the Baptist
* Jesus seeks solitude in a deserted place
* The crowds find Jesus; he ministers to them
* Jesus feeds the hungry with fishes & bread
After the people have eaten, the Lord makes the disciples get into a boat while he dismisses the crowd. The following events occur:
1. The disciples are in the boat on the water
2. Jesus goes up the mountain to pray alone
3. The wind and the waves are getting strong
4. Late at night Jesus comes on the water
5. Seeing Jesus, the disciples are terrified
6. Jesus, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
7. Peter to Jesus “Command me to come to you.”
8. Peter goes to Jesus, is frightened and sinks
9. Jesus rescues Peter “Why did you doubt?”
10. The disciples: “Truly you are the Son of God!”
Note that Matthew’s Gospel differs from Mark’s account (6:45-52) in three ways:
1. The dialogue between Jesus and Peter
2. Peter walking (sort of) on the water
3. Confession of faith – Jesus the Son of God
The story speaks of Peter’s desire to follow Jesus, even as it clearly shows his human weakness. Peter tries, fails, and calls upon Jesus to save him in his need. As a result, the disciples recognize the Son of God in their midst.
The early Church took this passage to heart. Like the boat tossed on the waters, early Christians knew all too well the dangers of faith – risking their lives to follow Jesus. Like Peter, they had their moments of weakness; like Peter, they called upon the Lord in their need.
We can see ourselves in this situation as well. There are times when we desperately want a strong and steadfast faith; we seek the Lord and desire to follow His path for our lives. Yet we are also aware of our limitations, failures, and fears. May we, like Peter, call upon Jesus in our need; may we trust in the Lord’s strength and love to save us.
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Note: This post was first published on August 4, 2014.
18th Sunday of the Year: Come to the Feast! Catholic Inspiration
The prophet Isaiah, the Psalmist and the Gospel of Matthew all proclaim how the Lord feeds us with wholesome abundance. May our feasting – at our tables at home and the Table of the Lord – nourish us in this life in preparation for the Great Feast in Heaven.
Mass Readings – 18th Sunday of the Year
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Daily Mass: Our faith is a matter of life and death. Catholic Inspiration
Jeremiah’s faith remains strong as his life hangs in the balance. May his example help us to be guided through this life by our trust in the Lord.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 17th Week of the Year
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