November 5, 2011

Reflection (The readings are below, for your reference)

Jesus knows his days are numbered so he splits his time between prayer and teaching the disciples how to carry on without him. In the prior pericope Jesus asks them to feed the five thousand families and in this one Jesus encourages Peter to walk on water. The bad news is that Peter begins to sink; the good news is that Jesus is there to catch him. The other good news is that the only think Peter lacks in faith in himself. Or is that bad news? J

Gracious loving God, with you I can accomplish good things, without you I can accomplish no good thing. Help my doubting.

Namaste

The Readings

Ezra 9:1-15

Revelation 17:1-14

Matthew 14:22-36

Immediately he 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 he 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." He 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 worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.