ISSL Reflections June 27, 2021, Matthew 14:22-33 Post 1

I.
A couple of weeks ago we saw Jesus and his disciples in a boat when a storm came up. This week we start with the disciples in a boat being “battered by the waves” and Jesus is not with them. We do notice that Jesus told them to get in the boat and go to the other side of the lake but he did not travel with them.

Read the passage and pay attention to all the folk you see and hear. Watch them carefully and listen to what is said and it might be good to notice what is not said and who is not heard from.

II.
Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So 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, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

III.
Who do you want to pay attention to the most?

The disciples … Peter … Jesus … ?

Where would you be? In the boat? Or with the crowd that Jesus sent away? Or, maybe you followed, or tried to follow Jesus up the mountain to see where he was going? Or, did you hang around the shore and notice the brewing storm? Did you step out into the water?

Where would you be?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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