With God's Grace

A Reflection on the Gospel for August 9th, 2020:
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Matthew
14.22-33

Immediately after feeding the crowd with the five loaves and two fish, Jesus 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 Jesus 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.” Jesus 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. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
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Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

There are many passages in the New Testament that show Jesus in prayer. Before a miracle and after He performs it, He prays and gives glory to His Father. Everything He did was always preceded and followed by a prayer to His Father. This particular passage happened after the multiplication of the bread and fish. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to be delivered from the sacrifice He was about to make on the Cross. He went through the ordeal out of love and with grace from the Father, in order to fulfill God’s promise of salvation.

By His example of always praying to the Father, He is teaching me that I too need that communication with Him, in prayer, for me to do God’s will. I need to get close to Him to discern what I should be doing in accordance with His plan for me.

As with Peter, He gives me the extra strength, grace, and courage to do what I need to do. When Jesus said, “Come,” Peter was able to walk on water. When Peter started to fear and doubt, he began to sink. So it is with me. When I lack prayer and His guidance, it is difficult for me to accomplish great things. With God’s grace and guidance, I surprise even myself in what I can achieve. 

Baring my inner thoughts and feelings, especially to people I do not know, is always difficult for me. However, with lots of prayers and by always calling on the Holy Spirit for help, wisdom, and guidance, I am able to come up with reflections like this to share. Nevermind the shyness, I learned to swallow that — someone once told me that shyness is a form of pride.

Indeed, nothing is impossible with God. I keep that in mind all the time. It does not matter what it is — accomplishing difficult tasks, praying for healing, or even cooking using a complicated recipe, God will always deliver. I should always believe and should never doubt or else I will sink like Peter.

I pose these questions to you for your own reflection:

1. How often do I call on God for help?
2. Do I say ‘thank you’ after what I prayed for was accomplished? Do I thank God for answered prayers?

Liz Venezuela

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