Why doubt?
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mt 14:22-33 22 Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people away. 23 After sending the people away, he went up a hill by himself to pray. When evening came, Jesus was there alone; 24 and by this time the boat was far out in the lake, tossed about by the waves, because the wind was blowing against it. 25 Between three and six o’clock in the morning Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water. 26 When they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and screamed with fear. 27 Jesus spoke to them at once. “Courage!” he said. “It is I. Don’t be afraid!” 28 Then Peter spoke up. “Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you.” 29 “Come!” answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. “Save me, Lord!” he cried. 31 At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, “How little faith you have! Why did you doubt?” 32 They both got into the boat, and the wind died down. 33 Then the disciples in the boat worshipped Jesus. “Truly you are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Other readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 9:1-5
LECTIO
At last Jesus is able to spend some time alone with his Father. Chapter 14 opened with the account of his cousin John the Baptist’s murder. Jesus tried to be alone then but the crowds followed him. Jesus took pity on the people, taught them long into the evening, healed the sick and miraculously provided food for more than 5,000 people.
Then he sends the disciples ahead of him in the boat across the lake and sends the people back home. Now he can grieve for John and pray to his Father. Prayer was the foundation of his life and ministry so he always made time for fellowship with his Father.
But the main theme of this passage is faith. Earlier that day the disciples had seen Jesus heal people and supernaturally transform five loaves and two fish into enough food for more than 5,000 people, with plenty to spare. Now Jesus comes walking on the water towards their boat. They can’t believe their eyes. They are terrified and think they must be seeing a ghost. Jesus reassures them that it really is him so they don’t need to be afraid.
As usual, Peter plunges in and literally takes a huge step of faith. Here again he probably speaks without thinking and asks Jesus to let him walk on water too. Jesus calls him. Peter steps out of the boat and starts walking on the water towards Jesus. Then he notices how stormy it is. Fear floods in and he begins to sink. Jesus saves him and gently chides him, asking where his faith has gone.
The storm becomes calm. For the disciples this is now a time of worship and they exclaim: “Truly you are the Son of God!”
MEDITATIO
What lessons about faith can we learn from this passage? Have you been in a situation when you called out to God for help?
What happened?
We can so easily start stepping out boldly in faith but then become afraid. How can we try to prevent doubt robbing us of what God wants for us?
ORATIO
Give thanks that Jesus truly is the Son of God and praise him for his power and compassion.
Opportunities to grow in faith are all around us. Ask Jesus to help you “step out of the boat” in an area where you feel he is challenging you. Let the love of Jesus fill you and wash away fears from your heart.
CONTEMPLATIO
Jesus asks Peter a very revealing question: “Why did you doubt?” Consider the reasons Peter had to doubt. Then consider that Jesus, the Son of God, was right there with him. Reflect on why you have doubts sometimes. If Jesus is with us how should this affect our faith?
Lectio Divina is an ancient tradition of reading and engaging with God’s Word
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