Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede him to the other side of the sea,
while he dismissed the crowds.
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them, walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.
"It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Peter said to him in reply,
"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
He said, "Come."
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him,
and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
"Truly, you are the Son of God."

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.
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
and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak,
and as many as touched it were healed.

Reflection

We continue in this reading with the reading yesterday, where we see Jesus truly inviting His disciples to participate in a miracle, to be part of how it takes place.

And here we see something similar when Peter is seeing Jesus walking on the water, a miracle. And he said, I want that miracle. I want to do what you're doing. And he gets up and starts to walk. And the wind was so strong, even though he was able to walk on water, he got afraid. And he doubted.

And the interesting thing about this is the way Jesus looks at him and said, Why? Why would you doubt me? Don't you see what I can do? If I can do things beyond your imagining. Why don't you trust that you can participate in them? You can be like me.

Closing prayer

Father, it is hard for us to imagine that your intention is to work through us and perform great works for those that we long to heal and to help and to care for. Awaken us to this participation. Let us never doubt it. We are more than just ourselves. We are instruments of your power. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross