Daily Word Of God
Matthew 14:23-31
After sending the crowds away Jesus went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now some furlongs from land, was hard pressed by rough waves, for there was a head-wind.
In the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the sea, and when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.’
It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ Jesus said, ‘Come.’ Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but then noticing the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord,’ he cried, ‘save me!’ Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘You have so little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Human beings are naturally afraid of the unknown and the unexpected. Like Peter, we look for Jesus’ reassurance. Even after Jesus’ personal invitation to Peter to walk to Him, Peter doubted.
- Today’s Gospel passage recalls Peter’s doubt, but it also highlights even more fully Jesus’ saving power.
- In all our doubts and difficulties, may we always recall Jesus’ saving power, “Lord Jesus, I have faith. Help my little faith”.