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Gospel Matthew 14:22-36 |
22 Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 After they got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” 34 After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick 36 and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.
Historical Background
After the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, Jesus sends His disciples ahead by boat while He retreats to pray alone on a mountain. The sea of Galilee is known for sudden storms, it becomes the stage for Jesus’ miraculous walk on water.
In Jewish Timekeeping, the “fourth watch” (3–6 AM) was the darkest part of night, symbolizing spiritual and physical vulnerability.
Theological Context
Jesus walking on water echoes Old Testament imagery of God’s power over the seas (e.g., Job 9:8), affirming His divinity. Peter’s brief walk on water illustrates the tension between bold faith and human fear.
The disciples worship Jesus, declaring, “Truly you are the Son of God,” (Christological Confession) is a pivotal moment in Matthew’s Gospel.
Learning Lessons
Jesus sees us even in the storm, He responds to our cries and reaches out us. We are never out of His sight, reach, or care. We should always focus on our faith and never allow distractions to sink us down. Worship and prayer come before power.
Steps on the Sea - A Walk in Water
In the hush of night, the waves did roar,
A boat was tossed from shore to shore.
But One who prayed on mountain high
Came walking where the waters lie.
A ghost, they cried, in fear and dread,
Yet Jesus spoke, “Take heart,” He said.
Then Peter stepped with trembling feet,
To meet the Lord, his faith complete.
But winds arose, his courage fled,
He sank beneath the sea’s cold bed.
“Lord, save me!” cried with desperate breath,
And Jesus pulled him back from death.
The storm grew still, the boat was calm,
Their hearts now filled with worship’s balm.
For in the storm, they came to see—
The Son of God walked on the sea.
Lord Jesus,
You see me in the storm, You walk where no feet should tread, You reach when I sink in fear. Teach me to fix my eyes on You, to trust Your voice above the wind, to step out in faith, even when the waves rise.
Forgive my doubts, strengthen my heart, and calm the chaos within me. You are truly the Son of God— worthy of worship, mighty to save.
Amen.
Pericope
V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church
THE WALKING ON THE WATER / THE HEALINGS AT GENNESARET
Matthew 14:22-33 / 34-36
Gospel Acclamation
Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
Reflection Source
Conversation with Copilot
