Reading
At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Peter said to him in reply,
"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
He said, "Come."
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter,
and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
"Truly, you are the Son of God."
Reflection
Praised be Jesus Christ!
The scriptures on this summer Sunday speak to us about the discipline of prayer, a sweet and profound experience of Faith.
In the First Reading, we hear of how the Lord speaks to us in our prayer. Elijah saw many ways God could have spoken to Him - a strong wind, an earthquake, a fire -- all in which the Lord chose not to speak. Instead, He spoke in a tiny whispering wind. We, as members of the faithful, do well to develop ourselves in the sweet discipline of prayer so that we can listen for that whispering wind.
In the Gospel, we hear of Jesus walking on water. Christ comes to His Apostles in a time of deep distress, when they are surrounded by water in a storm. Peter too walks on water, but only because his attention is fixed firmly on Christ. This image emphasizes the need to have our eyes firmly fixed on Christ. We have the privilege of being able to gaze upon Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament so that we can keep our entire life in balance, centered on Him.
Today, let us recommit ourselves to the sweet discipline of prayer with an intense focus on the Holy Eucharist. It is before our Eucharistic Lord that the quiet voice of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will inspire us to do His will in all things.
As always, know of my prayer before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
+Bishop Schlert
