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Our Sunday Reflection - August 13, 2023
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He became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter.
Matthew 14:30-31
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
At this time of year, the forces of nature can buffet us from every side. Drought and forest fires, thunderstorms and floods, tornadoes and hurricanes—anything is possible. If we are in a vulnerable position—in a small boat at sea, for example—we can find ourselves in grave danger. Today we see Jesus calmly approach the disciples during a storm as their boat is tossed about by the wind and waves. As we act to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe this season, let us trust in the Lord, who comes to strengthen and comfort us in times of danger.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Where do we find the Lord? Elijah did not find God in a strong wind, an earthquake, or a fire, but heard the LORD’s summons only in a tiny whispering sound. Peter and the disciples, on the other hand, came to recognize Jesus when he came to reassure them on a stormy Sea of Galilee. Paul’s heart broke at his own people’s difficulty in finding the Christ in the person of Jesus. May these faith-filled people guide us in our own search for the Lord’s presence in our lives.Reflections
- Last month we heard the parable of the sower. Because the sower threw seed around with no regard to where it fell, much of it failed to produce fruit. As Jesus revealed later, he is the sower and the seed is the good news of the kingdom. Today we see a portrayal of Peter that is not so flattering, but remember that when Jesus called him in the first days of his mission, Peter immediately dropped his nets and followed. Peter is like the seed that fell on rocky ground. Recall Jesus said, “Some fell on rocky ground . . . It sprang up at once . . . [but] withered for lack of roots” (Matthew 13:5–6). On rocky ground, on rocky waters, Peter’s faith at this point is not well-anchored. But eventually the extravagance of the sower will be rewarded. Not this night, not even on that later night before the cock crowed, but in the end Peter’s faith produces fruit, many hundredfold.
- Peter is honestly trying to show faith. In daring Jesus to call him out of the boat and onto the water, he is not trying to prove Jesus wrong as some Pharisees consistently tried to do. He truly believes in Jesus’ power. But he becomes frightened. On the night he denied Jesus three times, he again became frightened. Whether of drowning or of being crucified, Peter’s fears are obstacles to his faith. Only after his faith is strengthened by Jesus’ victory over death and the gift of the Holy Spirit does Peter publicly testify immediately and courageously to his faith in the Son of God. His testimony of the need for repentance and forgiveness is especially apt.
- Our lives can be like a boat tossed about by the waves, leaving us fearful and exhausted. But recall Jesus’ final words to those he loved: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Can we see Jesus coming to us on the rough seas, reassuring us and staying with us? Can we trust in the One who overcame death itself to guide us through the rough waters of our life?
Question of the Week
Who can I accompany on their journey through stormy waters? How can I reassure them and assist them?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, August 13, 2023
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, August 13, 2023
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Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
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