Sunday 9 August 2020

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 19:9, 11-13. Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation – Psalm 84(85):9-14. Romans 9:1-5. Matthew 14:22-33.
Jesus walks on the water
Today’s familiar Gospel repays close imaginative attention. The Master, alone on the mountainside, keeps a vigil of prayer.
The boat, in which his disciples have set out across the lake, struggles against adverse winds. Its fearful occupants are spooked by a figure walking across the dark waves – Lord, is it really you? Peter, sinking and spluttering – Save me, Lord! The wind silenced, Jesus among them again – ‘You of little faith! Why did you doubt?’ Which of these moments draws you, speaks in your heart?
‘Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.’