Daily Gospel Reflection for August 13, 2023

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

Several years ago, on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I spent some time at the Sea of Galilee. Just the night before, I lay awake with no reason or respite, pleading for sleep. Feeling drained and “battered by the waves” myself, that day we made our way to the middle of the sea. As this passage was read aloud, suddenly I, too, was there with the disciples having been awakened by a storm. Only this time, in my unrest, it was me that Jesus called out upon the water.

Would I, having witnessed the events leading up to this moment, choose to act out of faith and not fear, trusting the voice of Jesus calling me onward? Jesus did not calm the waves nor choose the light of day here to reveal Who He is. Rather, it was in the wee hours of the morning and amid chaos that He appeared.

“Take courage,” He says. With my heart responding and eyes transfixed on our Lord, I choose in this moment to take one step at a time.

The same is often asked of each of us, particularly in stormy weather when our lives are tossed about, and we seem surrounded by the unknown. We, too, can doubt at times that Jesus is present. And even when called to walk on water, we lose heart when the winds pick up or when tempted to look at our feet. Christ does not leave Peter, and neither will He leave us. With outstretched hand, Jesus calls us to greater faith and trust in witnessing the miracles He has in store, reminding us as disciples the blessing of a Savior Who hears our plea and reaches into the deep to reveal who and whose we are.

Ponder:

Am I willing to seek Jesus when the storms of life are strongest? Is there something in my life now that Jesus is calling me to a deeper trust in . . . even to walk on water?

Pray:

Jesus, today I invite You into this beautiful and sometimes chaotic mess of life. I am in awe of Who You are, thankful that You are present and willing to challenge me to be who You created me to be.