Gospel Reflection for August 13, 2017, 19th Sunday Ordinary Time

Scripture readings: 1 Kings 19.9,11-13; Romans 9.1-5; Matthew 14.22-33

“Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened. Beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his had and caught him.” – Matthew 14.29-30

This gospel reflects Christians struggles in the A.D. 80s between the experience of having Jesus among them in the flesh and the promise of his risen presence. How does Jesus continue with the community?

Peter puts Jesus to a test. He requests a miracle. “If this is really you, command me to come to you on the water.”  This if statement repeats the bystanders’ taunts to Jesus on the cross–“If you are the messiah, save yourself.”

Jesus quickly says, “Come.” The scene invites faith. It suggests the journeys of early Christians to baptism. An early Christian baptistry at Dura-Europa in Syria has this scene painted on its wall above a baptismal pool (A.D. 250).

Stepping into the water and the future requires faith for Peter and for all of us who follow. Boldly Peter steps our of the boat, outside the comfortable circle of disciples and friends in the boat. Immediately strong head winds and great waves take his attention off Jesus and fill him with fear and terror. As he falters, Peter cries out to Jesus, who saves him.

Where are you in over your head and faltering?  What do you cry out for?


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Published by GoodGroundPress

Good Ground Press is the publishing ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. We publish resources for living the Gospel today, including Sunday By Sunday for adults and SPIRIT ONLINE for teens.

One thought on “Gospel Reflection for August 13, 2017, 19th Sunday Ordinary Time

  1. That is really a good example , THE TRUST SHOWS THE STRONG FAITH TO GOD , IF YOU ONLY EXPERIENCE TO YOUR LIFE THIS KIND OF SITUATION , IN YOUR LIFE. THE STRUGGLES OF AN INDIVIDUAL , NEEDS A HARD PRAYER FOCUS ON IT , & AM SURE THE HOLY BESTOW ON US , OUR SINCERITY COUNTS MUCH . . . ACTUALLY WE HAVE AN SMALL GROUP COMPOSED 1.-12 PAX , WELL FOR ME ITS REALLY WORTH. ADDITIONAL & DEEPER UNDERSTANDING TO THE WORDS OF GOD I GRADUALLY LEARNED . . . I THANK GOD FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE . . . HAVE A GOOD DAY.. . .

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