Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week of Ordinary Time

Lectio

    Matthew 14:22–36

Meditatio

“Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him.…”

    This moment in the life of Jesus calls to mind a painting by Sieger Köder called Stronghold. In the background, the disciples are in their little fishing boat, with the vast, tempestuous sea surrounding them. Very prominently in the foreground, Peter’s hands are visible, firmly clasping the hand of Jesus. In my life of faith, these clasped hands provide a firm and important reminder that God is our sure refuge, and that he is always in control. If I call to him in need, he has only to reach out his hand.

    It is a telling moment. We know from the Gospel that it is only when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees “how strong the wind was” that he begins to sink. Perhaps you, too, can relate to Peter and have experienced dark moments when sinking felt inevitable. Yet, when I look over the darker moments in my own life, it becomes clear that when I fix my gaze on Christ, I have a very different perspective than when I focus on the people, events, or circumstances around me. Fear and panic only set in if I lose my focus on that fixed point of reference—the face of Christ. If I gaze at him, I can maintain a sense of serenity and peace, even in the midst of the storm. Peace is a gift of the Holy Spirit—and no person or event can take it away from us. Growing in this awareness leaves us with a choice and a growing freedom. Nonetheless, when it is dark, it is perhaps even more important to remember another lesson from the Gospel: “Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him.” Even though Peter takes his eyes off Jesus, Jesus never takes his eyes off Peter. He is with him, and for him, the whole time. Appearances can be deceiving. Like Peter, we, too, are always held safe in the hands of a loving God.

Oratio

    Lord, when I am going through the turbulence of emotionally intense times, help me to remember your lesson for Peter on the stormy seas. You are always with me—and if I can only keep my eyes on you, it is possible for me to walk on water. The wind and the waves are the illusion of a life out of control, while your presence is the reality that grounds me, giving me courage and hope. In moments when the waves look too high and the wind feels too strong, help me to recall your faithful love and to place my trust firmly in you.

Contemplatio

    I am safe in your hands.

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ORDINARY GRACE Weeks 18–34: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)