Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest
Lectionary: 407/408
Lectionary: 407/408
In the beginning of
the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah,
in the fifth month of the fourth year,
the prophet Hananiah, son of Azzur, from Gibeon,
said to me in the house of the LORD
in the presence of the priests and all the people:
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:
‘I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.
Within two years I will restore to this place
all the vessels of the temple of the LORD which Nebuchadnezzar,
king of Babylon, took away from this place to Babylon.
And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah,
son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah,
and all the exiles of Judah who went to Babylon,’ says the LORD,
‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”
The prophet Jeremiah answered the prophet Hananiah
in the presence of the priests and all the people assembled
in the house of the LORD, and said:
Amen! thus may the LORD do!
May he fulfill the things you have prophesied
by bringing the vessels of the house of the LORD
and all the exiles back from Babylon to this place!
But now, listen to what I am about to state in your hearing
and the hearing of all the people.
From of old, the prophets who were before you and me prophesied
war, woe, and pestilence against many lands and mighty kingdoms.
But the prophet who prophesies peace
is recognized as truly sent by the LORD
only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled.
Thereupon the prophet Hananiah took the yoke
from the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it,
and said in the presence of all the people:
“Thus says the LORD: ‘Even so, within two years
I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
from off the neck of all the nations.’”
At that, the prophet Jeremiah went away.
Some time after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke
from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah,
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah:
Go tell Hananiah this:
Thus says the LORD:
By breaking a wooden yoke, you forge an iron yoke!
For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:
A yoke of iron I will place on the necks
of all these nations serving Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
and they shall serve him; even the beasts of the field I give him.
To the prophet Hananiah the prophet Jeremiah said:
Hear this, Hananiah!
The LORD has not sent you,
and you have raised false confidence in this people.
For this, says the LORD, I will dispatch you from the face of the earth;
this very year you shall die,
because you have preached rebellion against the LORD.
That same year, in the seventh month, Hananiah the prophet died.
in the fifth month of the fourth year,
the prophet Hananiah, son of Azzur, from Gibeon,
said to me in the house of the LORD
in the presence of the priests and all the people:
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:
‘I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.
Within two years I will restore to this place
all the vessels of the temple of the LORD which Nebuchadnezzar,
king of Babylon, took away from this place to Babylon.
And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah,
son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah,
and all the exiles of Judah who went to Babylon,’ says the LORD,
‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”
The prophet Jeremiah answered the prophet Hananiah
in the presence of the priests and all the people assembled
in the house of the LORD, and said:
Amen! thus may the LORD do!
May he fulfill the things you have prophesied
by bringing the vessels of the house of the LORD
and all the exiles back from Babylon to this place!
But now, listen to what I am about to state in your hearing
and the hearing of all the people.
From of old, the prophets who were before you and me prophesied
war, woe, and pestilence against many lands and mighty kingdoms.
But the prophet who prophesies peace
is recognized as truly sent by the LORD
only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled.
Thereupon the prophet Hananiah took the yoke
from the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it,
and said in the presence of all the people:
“Thus says the LORD: ‘Even so, within two years
I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
from off the neck of all the nations.’”
At that, the prophet Jeremiah went away.
Some time after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke
from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah,
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah:
Go tell Hananiah this:
Thus says the LORD:
By breaking a wooden yoke, you forge an iron yoke!
For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:
A yoke of iron I will place on the necks
of all these nations serving Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
and they shall serve him; even the beasts of the field I give him.
To the prophet Hananiah the prophet Jeremiah said:
Hear this, Hananiah!
The LORD has not sent you,
and you have raised false confidence in this people.
For this, says the LORD, I will dispatch you from the face of the earth;
this very year you shall die,
because you have preached rebellion against the LORD.
That same year, in the seventh month, Hananiah the prophet died.
Responsorial Psalm PS 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102
R. (68b) Lord, teach me your statutes.
Remove from me the way of falsehood,
and favor me with your law.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Take not the word of truth from my mouth,
for in your ordinances is my hope.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let those turn to me who fear you
and acknowledge your decrees.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let my heart be perfect in your statutes,
that I be not put to shame.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Sinners wait to destroy me,
but I pay heed to your decrees.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
From your ordinances I turn not away,
for you have instructed me.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Remove from me the way of falsehood,
and favor me with your law.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Take not the word of truth from my mouth,
for in your ordinances is my hope.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let those turn to me who fear you
and acknowledge your decrees.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let my heart be perfect in your statutes,
that I be not put to shame.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Sinners wait to destroy me,
but I pay heed to your decrees.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
From your ordinances I turn not away,
for you have instructed me.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Gospel MT 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.
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.
Meditation: "It is I - have no fear"
Does the Lord seem distant when trials or adversity come your
way? It was at Jesus' initiative that the disciples sailed across the lake,
only to find themselves in a life-threatening storm. Although they were
experienced fishermen, they feared for their lives. While Jesus was not with
them in the boat, he, nonetheless watched for them in prayer. When he perceived
their trouble he came to them on the sea and startled them with his sudden
appearance. Do you look for the Lord's presence when you encounter difficulty
or challenges?
This dramatic incident on the sea of Galilee revealed Peter's
character more fully than others. Here we see Peter's impulsivity - his
tendency to act without thinking of what he was doing. He often failed and came
to grief as a result of his impulsiveness. In contrast, Jesus always bade his
disciples to see how difficult it was to follow him before they set out on the
way he taught them. A great deal of failure in the Christian life is due to
acting on impulse and emotional fervor without counting the cost. Peter,
fortunately in the moment of his failure clutched at Jesus and held him firmly.
Every time Peter fell, he rose again. His failures only made him love the Lord
more deeply and trust him more intently. The Lord keeps watch over us at all
times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty. Do you rely
on the Lord for his strength and help? Jesus assures us that we have no need of
fear if we trust in Him and in his great love for us. When calamities or trials
threaten to overwhelm you, how do you respond? With faith and hope in God's
love, care and presence with you?
"Lord Jesus, help me to trust you always and to never doubt
your presence and your power to help me. In my moments of doubt and weakness,
may I cling to you as Peter did. Strengthen my faith that I may walk straight
in the path you set before me, neither veering to the left nor to the right".
 Feed Them Yourselves! |
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August 4, 2014.
Memorial of Saint John Vianney, priest
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Matthew 14: 22-36
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat
and precede him to the other side, 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.
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe you want me to
have faith in you, faith that hearkens to your words without any second
guessing. I hope in your words, not relying solely on my own strength or
reasoning. I love you. You continue to astonish me by showing me that your
ways are not my ways.
Petition: Lord, may my prayer lead me to step out from my comfort
zone today.
1. Loneliness and Prayer: Jesus dismissed the crowds and went up
on the mountain by himself to pray. He was willing to leave the comfort of
others’ company to be alone with God. Being in silence without others may lead
briefly to a certain loneliness and interior emptiness. We may feel the
impulse to seek out others – anything – to anesthetize us from the pain of
being alone. If this is the case, we need to persevere in prayer. This
suffering from silence can turn into joy and peace. But we must remain with
God and learn to enjoy his presence in quiet prayer.
2. The Price of Prayer: "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." At times our fear of silent prayer can
be stronger than Peter’s fear of Jesus on the water. We are so used to the
company of others, of keeping busy, of being needed, of “zoning out”, that we
fear relinquishing these comforts even for a short time of prayer. We must be
willing to give up these common comforts, at least temporarily, if we will
learn to pray. We must empty ourselves to be filled by Christ, to trust and
rely on his strength.
3. A Firm Resolve: “After they got into the boat, the
wind died down.” Once we “get into the boat,” that is, once we resolve to
embrace silent, focused prayer, our fears die down like the wind. We have to
make a firm decision to dive full force into our prayer, overcoming inertia
of every stripe, if we wish to experience the freedom, peace and joy of true
prayer. Ask the Lord for that grace and be generous as you begin.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, you know the sluggishness I
experience as I set out to pray. You know how I am tempted to put it off and
just do something else. Give me the faith and courage to launch into the deep
– to begin to pray with all my heart.
Resolution: I will make a firm resolve to pray
intensely today.
www.regnumchristi.org
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MONDAY, AUGUST 4, MATTHEW 14:22-36
(Jeremiah 28:1-7; Psalm 119)
(Jeremiah 28:1-7; Psalm 119)
KEY VERSE: "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (v 27).
READING: Jesus constantly told his disciples not to be afraid. His very mission was to liberate them from fear and oppression. The story of Jesus' walking on the water followed the miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fish (Mt 14:13-20). Jesus revealed himself as the one who nourished his people, and then he demonstrated his power over destructive forces symbolized by the sea. In the darkness of night, Jesus appeared walking on water. He told his disciples to "take courage" since he was with them. Peter, the leader of the struggling community, tried to come to the Lord, but he was overwhelmed by fear when he saw the fury of the storm. With his eyes fixed upon Jesus, Peter grasped his hand and he was "saved." Those who had doubted now declared Jesus to be the "Son of God." The boat tossed about in the storm at sea is a symbol of the Church as it contends with the forces that threaten to capsize it. In the waters of baptism we are saved from sin and death.
REFLECTING: How can I overcome fear and focus on Jesus when I face trials?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to trust you as I face the storms in my life.
Memorial of John Mary Vianney, priest
St. John Mary Vianney (French: Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney), also known as the Curé of Ars, was a farm hand who in his youth taught other children their prayers and catechism. It took several years of seminary study before he was ordained as he was not a very good student, and his Latin was terrible. He was assigned to the parish of Ars, a tiny village near Lyons, which suffered from very lax attendance. John Vianney began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor, and spent days in prayer, doing penance for his flock. Gifted with discernment of spirits, prophecy, and hidden knowledge, John was tormented by evil spirits, especially when he tried to get his two to three hours of sleep each night. Thousands came to hear him preach, and to make their reconciliation because of his reputation with penitents. He spent 40 years as their parish priest. John Vianney was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1925. He is the only diocesan priest ever to be canonized. He is the patron saint of clergy throughout the world.
Pray for our parish church, St. John Vianney, which was burned to the ground by an arsonist. Pray for our rebuilding process.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Living Sacrifice
As Scripture tells us, our body is to become nothing less than a
living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, whose only Son became one of us in
the flesh in all things but sin. The incarnation is the greatest testimony to
the union of body and soul.
Teach me your laws, O Lord
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and saved him.This gospel restores a saving balance when the pressures of life swamp our minds or hearts. While Peter was focused on reaching Jesus, he moved fearlessly. As soon as he perceived the ferocity of the storm, he began to sink. Fear engulfed him, but he had enough faith and wits to call to his friend. Jesus responded immediately. Like Peter we may be engulfed in dreadful circumstances—a sick child, a failed relationship, loss of a home. Any of these can become obsessions. With earnest prayer, Jesus will reach out to offer courage and confidence in facing any storms. The troubles may remain, but after a peaceful encounter with our Lord new strengths and insights will be given. Lord we give thanks for this totally available life-line.
August
4
St. John Vianney
(1786-1859)
St. John Vianney
(1786-1859)
A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem
impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become a priest.
But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared
him for seminary studies.
His
failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue. But his vision
of being a priest urged him to seek private tutoring. After a lengthy battle with
the books, John was ordained.
Situations
calling for “impossible” deeds followed him everywhere. As pastor of the parish
at Ars, John encountered people who were indifferent and quite comfortable with
their style of living. His vision led him through severe fasts and short nights
of sleep. (Some devils can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.)
With
Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he established La Providence, a home
for girls. Only a man of vision could have such trust that God would provide
for the spiritual and material needs of all those who came to make La
Providence their home.
His work
as a confessor is John Vianney’s most remarkable accomplishment. In the winter
months he was to spend 11 to 12 hours daily reconciling people with God. In the
summer months this time was increased to 16 hours. Unless a man was dedicated
to his vision of a priestly vocation, he could not have endured this giving of
self day after day.
Many
people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing the things they
always wanted to do but never had the time. But John Vianney had no thoughts of
retirement. As his fame spread, more hours were consumed in serving God’s
people. Even the few hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed
frequently by the devil.
Who, but
a man with vision, could keep going with ever-increasing strength? In 1929,
Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish priests worldwide.
Comment:
Indifference toward religion, coupled with a love for material comfort, seem to be common signs of our times. A person from another planet observing us would not likely judge us to be pilgrim people, on our way to somewhere else. John Vianney, on the other hand, was a man on a journey with his goal before him at all times.
Indifference toward religion, coupled with a love for material comfort, seem to be common signs of our times. A person from another planet observing us would not likely judge us to be pilgrim people, on our way to somewhere else. John Vianney, on the other hand, was a man on a journey with his goal before him at all times.
Quote:
Recommending liturgical prayer, John Vianney would say, “Private prayer is like straw scattered here and there: If you set it on fire, it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them, and you get a mighty fire, rising like a column into the sky; public prayer is like that.”
Recommending liturgical prayer, John Vianney would say, “Private prayer is like straw scattered here and there: If you set it on fire, it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them, and you get a mighty fire, rising like a column into the sky; public prayer is like that.”
Patron Saint of:
Parish priests
Priests
Parish priests
Priests
LECTIO DIVINA:
MATTHEW 14,22-36
Lectio:
Monday, August 4, 2014
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father of everlasting goodness,
our origin and guide,
be close to us
and hear the prayers of all who praise you.
Forgive our sins and restore us to life.
Keep us safe in your love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
our origin and guide,
be close to us
and hear the prayers of all who praise you.
Forgive our sins and restore us to life.
Keep us safe in your love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 14,22-36
At once Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on
ahead to the other side while he sent the crowds away. After sending the crowds
away he 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?' 32 And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. 33 The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, 'Truly, you are the Son of God.'
Having made the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the local people recognised him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all that were sick to him, begging him just to let them touch the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were saved.
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?' 32 And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. 33 The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, 'Truly, you are the Son of God.'
Having made the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the local people recognised him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all that were sick to him, begging him just to let them touch the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were saved.
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today describes the difficult and tiresome crossing
of the sea of Galilee in a fragile boat, pushed by a contrary wind. Between the
discourse of the Parables (Mt 13) and of the Community (Mt 18), there is once
again, the narrative part (Mt 14 to 17). The discourse of the Parables calls
our attention again on the presence of the Kingdom. Now, the narrative part
shows the reactions in favour and against Jesus provoked by that presence. In
Nazareth, he was not accepted (Mt 13, 53-58) and King Herod thought that Jesus
was a sort or reincarnation of John the Baptist, whom he had murdered (Mt 14,
1-12). The poor people, though, recognized in Jesus the one who had been sent
by God and they followed him to the desert, where the multiplication of the
loaves took place (Mt 14, 13-21). After the multiplication of the loaves, Jesus
takes leave of the crowd and ordered the disciples to cross the lake, as it is
described in today’s Gospel (Mt 14, 22-36).
• Matthew 14, 22-24: To begin the crossing asked by Jesus. Jesus obliges the Disciples to go into the boat and to go toward the other side of the sea, where the land of the pagans was. He goes up to the mountain to pray. The boat symbolizes the community. It has the mission to direct itself toward the pagans and to announce among them the Good News of the Kingdom also, which was the new way of living in community. But the crossing was very tiring and long. The boat is agitated by the wave, because the wind is contrary. In spite of having rowed the whole night, there is still a great distance left before reaching the land. Much was still lacking in the community in order to be able to cross and go toward the pagans. Jesus did not go with his disciples. They had to learn to face together the difficulties, united and strengthened by faith in Jesus who had sent them. The contrast is very great: Jesus is in peace together with God, praying on the top of the mountain, and the Disciples are almost lost there below, in the agitated sea.
• The crossing to the other side of the lake symbolizes also the difficult crossing of the community at the end of the first century. They should get out of the closed world of the ancient observance of the law toward the new manner of observing the Law of love., taught by Jesus; they should abandon the knowledge of belonging to the Chosen People, privileged by God among all other peoples, for the certainty that in Christ all peoples would be united into one Only People before God; they should get out from isolation and intolerance toward the open world of acceptance and of gratitude. Today also, we are going through a difficult crossing toward a new time and a new way of being Church. A difficult crossing, but which is necessary. There are moments in life in which we are attacked by fear. Good will is not lacking, but this is not sufficient. We are like a boat faced with the contrary wind.
• Matthew 14, 25-27: Jesus comes close to them but they do not recognize him. Toward the end of the night, that is between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus goes to meet the Disciples. Walking on the water, he gets close to them, but they did not recognize him. They cried out in fear, thinking that it was a ghost. Jesus calms them down saying: “Courage! It is me! Do not be afraid!” The expression “It is me!” is the same one with which God tried to overcome the fear of Moses when he sent him to liberate the people from Egypt (Ex 3, 14). For the communities, of today as well as for those of yesterday, it was and it is very important to be always open to novelty: “Courage. It is me!. Do not be afraid!”
• Matthew 14, 28-31: Enthusiasm and weakness of Peter. Knowing that it is Jesus, Peter asks that he also can walk on the water. He wants to experience the power which dominates the fury of the sea. This is a power which in the bible belongs only to God (Gn 1, 6; Ps 104, 6-9). Jesus allows him to participate in this power. But Peter is afraid. He thinks that he will sink and he cries out: “Lord, save me!” Jesus assures him and takes hold of him and reproaches him: “You have so little faith! Why did you doubt?” Peter has more strength than he imagined, but is afraid before the contrary waves and does not believe in the power of God which dwells within him. The communities do not believe in the force of the Spirit which is within them and which acts through faith. It is the force of the Resurrection (Eph 1, 19-20).
• Matthew 14, 32-33:Jesus is the Son of God. Before the waves that come toward them, Peter begins to sink in the sea because of lack of faith. After he is saved, he and Jesus, both of them, go into the boat and the wind calms down. The other Disciples, who are in the boat, are astonished and bowed before Jesus, recognizing that he is the Son of God: “Truly, you are the Son of God”. Later on, Peter also professes the same faith in Jesus: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Mt 16,16). In this way Matthew suggests that it is not only Peter who sustains the faith of the Disciples, but also that the faith of the Disciples sustains Peter’s faith.
• Matthew 14, 34-36: They brought all the sick to him. The episode of the crossing ends with something beautiful: “Having made the crossing they came to Gennesaret. When the local people recognized him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all who were sick to him, begging him just to let them tough the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were saved”.
• Matthew 14, 22-24: To begin the crossing asked by Jesus. Jesus obliges the Disciples to go into the boat and to go toward the other side of the sea, where the land of the pagans was. He goes up to the mountain to pray. The boat symbolizes the community. It has the mission to direct itself toward the pagans and to announce among them the Good News of the Kingdom also, which was the new way of living in community. But the crossing was very tiring and long. The boat is agitated by the wave, because the wind is contrary. In spite of having rowed the whole night, there is still a great distance left before reaching the land. Much was still lacking in the community in order to be able to cross and go toward the pagans. Jesus did not go with his disciples. They had to learn to face together the difficulties, united and strengthened by faith in Jesus who had sent them. The contrast is very great: Jesus is in peace together with God, praying on the top of the mountain, and the Disciples are almost lost there below, in the agitated sea.
• The crossing to the other side of the lake symbolizes also the difficult crossing of the community at the end of the first century. They should get out of the closed world of the ancient observance of the law toward the new manner of observing the Law of love., taught by Jesus; they should abandon the knowledge of belonging to the Chosen People, privileged by God among all other peoples, for the certainty that in Christ all peoples would be united into one Only People before God; they should get out from isolation and intolerance toward the open world of acceptance and of gratitude. Today also, we are going through a difficult crossing toward a new time and a new way of being Church. A difficult crossing, but which is necessary. There are moments in life in which we are attacked by fear. Good will is not lacking, but this is not sufficient. We are like a boat faced with the contrary wind.
• Matthew 14, 25-27: Jesus comes close to them but they do not recognize him. Toward the end of the night, that is between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus goes to meet the Disciples. Walking on the water, he gets close to them, but they did not recognize him. They cried out in fear, thinking that it was a ghost. Jesus calms them down saying: “Courage! It is me! Do not be afraid!” The expression “It is me!” is the same one with which God tried to overcome the fear of Moses when he sent him to liberate the people from Egypt (Ex 3, 14). For the communities, of today as well as for those of yesterday, it was and it is very important to be always open to novelty: “Courage. It is me!. Do not be afraid!”
• Matthew 14, 28-31: Enthusiasm and weakness of Peter. Knowing that it is Jesus, Peter asks that he also can walk on the water. He wants to experience the power which dominates the fury of the sea. This is a power which in the bible belongs only to God (Gn 1, 6; Ps 104, 6-9). Jesus allows him to participate in this power. But Peter is afraid. He thinks that he will sink and he cries out: “Lord, save me!” Jesus assures him and takes hold of him and reproaches him: “You have so little faith! Why did you doubt?” Peter has more strength than he imagined, but is afraid before the contrary waves and does not believe in the power of God which dwells within him. The communities do not believe in the force of the Spirit which is within them and which acts through faith. It is the force of the Resurrection (Eph 1, 19-20).
• Matthew 14, 32-33:Jesus is the Son of God. Before the waves that come toward them, Peter begins to sink in the sea because of lack of faith. After he is saved, he and Jesus, both of them, go into the boat and the wind calms down. The other Disciples, who are in the boat, are astonished and bowed before Jesus, recognizing that he is the Son of God: “Truly, you are the Son of God”. Later on, Peter also professes the same faith in Jesus: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Mt 16,16). In this way Matthew suggests that it is not only Peter who sustains the faith of the Disciples, but also that the faith of the Disciples sustains Peter’s faith.
• Matthew 14, 34-36: They brought all the sick to him. The episode of the crossing ends with something beautiful: “Having made the crossing they came to Gennesaret. When the local people recognized him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all who were sick to him, begging him just to let them tough the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were saved”.
4) Personal questions
• Has there been a contrary wind in your life? What have you
done to overcome it? Has this happened sometimes in the community? How was it
overcome?
• Which is the crossing which the communities are doing today? From where to where? How does all this help us to recognize today the presence of Jesus in the contrary waves of life?
• Which is the crossing which the communities are doing today? From where to where? How does all this help us to recognize today the presence of Jesus in the contrary waves of life?
5) Concluding Prayer
Keep me far from the way of deceit,
grant me the grace of your Law.
I have chosen the way of constancy,
I have moulded myself to your judgements. (Ps 119,29-30)
grant me the grace of your Law.
I have chosen the way of constancy,
I have moulded myself to your judgements. (Ps 119,29-30)
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