Daily Gospel Reflection for August 8, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

A friend of mine went to the Sea of Galilee where today’s Gospel takes place. Because of how it is situated, it is subject to sudden violent storms when the wind comes from the east over the mountains and drops over the water.

“People die on this sea,” my friend told me.

Hearing that made today’s Gospel more real. Having spent much time on lakes since childhood and living near Lake Michigan now, I’ve gained a healthy respect for water. I’m always just a little scared when I’m in it. The ex-fishermen disciples must have had this respect as well. They knew the Sea of Galilee was unpredictable and dangerous. It must have made it all the more amazing to see Jesus walking toward them on the water during a storm.

It’s just as amazing to us when Jesus comes to us in the storms of our lives. I feel like I shouldn’t be surprised when He’s there next to me, helping me out when I’m mired in a squall. I know He is trustworthy and He has demonstrated His care for me many times. I’ve read in the Bible how He is always with us, yet I’m still surprised, when in the midst of my boat being rocked and pummeled with waves, there He is calling me to Him.

Being His disciple means I can trust that when He invites me out of the boat and into the mess where I’m scared and uncertain, He won’t abandon me. Jesus doesn’t call us and let us fall. He calls us and walks beside us. With Him by our side, we truly can do the impossible like Peter did, whether it’s forgiving the person who hurt us deeply, keeping our patience, or finding the right words to say to a doubter. Jesus invites us.

In the noise and sometimes storm of life, He is there peacefully walking through it all and inviting us to walk through it with Him.

Ponder:

In what stormy part of your life do you need to remember Jesus is with you?

Pray:

Jesus, help me remember that when You invite me out of the boat, I can trust that You are there. Help me to remember You are with me in the storm.

Click to tweet:
I can trust that when He invites me out of the boat and into the mess where I’m scared and uncertain, He won’t abandon me. #DailyGospel

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